Transfer students feel the pressure to set career goals as soon as they start at Cal. At the Alumni-Student Mixer during Golden Bear Orientation, alumni volunteered to help new UC Berkeley transfers feel more encouraged and less overwhelmed. This year’s diverse class of transfers includes first-generation students, student veterans, and student parents. “It’s always so great to interact with our amazing students.”
As part of Golden Bear Orientation on January 16, the Cal Alumni Association (CAA), Career Center, and New Student Services hosted a virtual version of its annual alumni-student mixer. More than 50 Cal alumni came together over Zoom to introduce 30 new transfer students to the UC Berkeley community and expose them to different career paths, such as education, nonprofit, finance, and technology.
“Networking and/or volunteering are key for students to land their first job after graduation.”
Alumni from across the country, and from a variety of backgrounds and industries, joined CAA and welcomed the current transfer class to campus. After being split into breakout rooms based on their industries, alumni shared valuable insights and career advice with students. Alumni emphasized the importance of finding and contributing to community: “Networking and/or volunteering are key for students to land their first job after graduation.”
For alumni, the Alumni-Student Mixer provides an opportunity not only to aid transfer students in jump-starting their careers, but also to reconnect with their alma mater and fellow alums. “I love Cal, and think every alum should take advantage of the benefits of being part of CAA.” said one alum.
If you are interested in supporting Cal students, consider joining our professional-networking platform for alumni and students, the Berkeley Career Network.
