Your freshman year is a time for self-discovery. Spend some time this year thinking about what is important to you and what you value, both personally and professionally. We recommend that you become familiar with the career, academic and extracurricular resources available at UC Davis, and take time to explore your options for how to get involved on campus.
We suggest that you use freshman year to familiarize yourself with campus, and wait until sophomore year to get started in internships. This will allow you the time to acclimate to a rigorous academic setting and also gain a better understanding of your interests.
We have outlined a few recommended strategies for freshman year self-discovery below:
Career
- Log in to Handshake, update your profile, and view the events calendar.
- Take career self-assessment inventories at Counseling Services.
- Talk over career ideas with an ICC Student Advisor or Coordinator, and with parents, friends, instructors, and roommates.
- Enroll in a Freshman Seminar on Career Exploration.
- Attend ICC workshops to learn how to prepare for an internship or job search.
- Become a member of the Student Alumni Association to start building your network.
- Attend Internship and Career Fairs to explore internships and careers.
- Learn about the life-long process of career planning.
Academics
- Take a variety of courses to explore majors.
- Attend office hours to build a relationship with instructors.
- Attend study skills and time management workshops.
- See an academic coordinator or peer advisor in the residence halls to create a four year plan.
- Explore undergraduate research opportunities.
- Attend academic programs in the residence halls.
Extracurricular
- Get involved in residence hall activities, student organizations or community service projects.
- Apply for a Peer Advisor, Community Advisor or After Hours Assistant position for the next academic year.