stronger UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 0 -2 1
2020-21
Over the course of the past year, the journey of career building entered into unfamiliar waters. But students and alumni at USD proved to be resilient and fearless as they faced uncharted challenges. At the Career Development Center, we leveraged our expertise and, through solid relationships with the Torero community, opened up innovative ways of reaching students and alumni. We leaned into four strategic priorities with laser focus to ensure success: • Campus Collaborations • Integrated Technology • Enhanced Student and Alumni Experience • Employer and External Torero Relations By closely collaborating with campus colleagues, we explored and established fresh approaches to virtually guiding students and alumni toward career success. The prior investment in the center’s stellar technology allowed greater opportunities and connections not bound by geographic limitations. And, in a time of heightened fiscal responsibility, we found creative ways to deliver services and programming that met students and alumni where they were — keeping up the momentum throughout the year. The input from students, parents, alumni, employers, faculty members and administration helped keep the Career Development Center in line with its mission of supporting students in developing and achieving career goals that lead to meaningful lives. Along with the services and resources of the Career Development Center, the contributions of the Torero community greatly enhanced the student and alumni experience. Together, we became stronger. The unique “hub-and-spoke” model of career support at every stage of learning, connecting and exploring will continue to ensure both broad and deep career impact throughout the USD community. Thank you for being a part of the success of USD’s Toreros.
Robin Darmon Senior Director, Career Development Center
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CAREER READINESS PROGRAM From the moment students arrive at USD, they are integrated into the Career Readiness Program — Passport, Compass and Connect — in order to graduate with skills that provide a foundation for successful career transitioning. Career Readiness points are required for graduation. Seniors who are completing the Career Readiness Program — Passport, Compass and Connect — work with a career counselor to create individualized plans.
M I C R O -I N T E R N S H I P S The University of San Diego and Parker Dewey have entered into a partnership to provide students and recent graduates with paid, remote internship opportunities for all majors. Parker Dewey offers the largest network of highly motivated college students and recent graduates who are excited to complete short-term, paid, professional assignments while building necessary career skills.
CAREER COUNSELING The innovative structure of our career team addresses the unique developmental needs of all students, tailoring our approach to each phase and each student. Personalized coaching is a hallmark of the high-touch career support students receive — a benefit that alumni have for life. In fact, alumni career counseling appointments increased 14% this past year.
CAREER RESOURCES The Career Development Center offers a variety of resources for career exploration, preparation and opportunities. Presentations, workshops and online tools help align strengths and passions with values. Resources like the InterviewStream platform virtually assist with all aspects of preparing for the job interviewing process.
2,909
virtual career counseling appointments
2
98%
of students would likely recommend Career Development Center counseling
160
virtual presentations and workshops
98%
of students agree the presenter(s) were knowledgeable
Noelle Freeburg ’22 (BBA)
Emily Hinton ’21 (BA)
Adrian Villegas ’20 (MS)
Gabriel Goins ’22 (BS/BA)
The micro-internship Noelle Freeburg recently completed for Russell Health, a medical device company in Chicago, was a gamechanger for her.
Emily Hinton didn’t know what her next step would be after graduation — until she worked with the Career Development Center’s assistant director, Emily Baxt.
Adrian Villegas earned his master’s degree in cybersecurity at USD. He credits his professional success to the Career Development Center team.
Senior Gabriel Goins is thrilled with the guidance he received by working with the Career Development Center team.
“I didn’t know how I would be able to afford a master’s degree, but with her help, I was able to apply to and receive scholarships from the University of Minnesota’s Policy and Health Care Administration cohort — which is consistently ranked in the top-10 public health programs in the U.S.,” she says. “With the help of the Career Development Center, I was able to apply to and receive scholarships that cut my costs for their two-year program in half.”
“The meeting I had with Sue Kelly was a turning point in my life,” he says. “I was provided with ideas and literature that helped put me in a position to find a job after graduating. We went over my resume and looked at ways to improve it, which helped.” But he says the best advice she gave him was a recommendation that he reach out to USD alumni through LinkedIn or TEAM and ask them to make time to meet in person or over the phone.
“The experience not only developed my sales skills, but it gave me tangible experience that I could reference in the application process for longerterm internships,” she says. “It helped set me up for success moving forward.” She says she applied for the position due to an email she received from the Career Development Center, and credits Kelly Morton, career counselor, for providing the boost she needed to obtain the position. “She helped me update my resume in order to put my best foot forward in the application process.”
Her advice for students is to never be embarrassed to ask for help. “USD and the Career Development Center make it so you never have to figure out everything on your own.”
“I took her advice and reached out to USD alumni,” he recalls. “I was able to land my dream job as an information security analyst for one of the companies that was referred to me.”
“I got my sales analyst internship opportunity from networking and using the Career Development Center’s resources,” he explains. “They helped me expand my networking reach.” That effort paid off. “I ended up applying for the tech pathways initiative for the company I work for,” says Goins. “Now I work in a sales position for a technology research and benchmarking company.” Although sales wasn’t a path he’d ever considered, his career counselor assured him that taking on a position outside of his comfort zone would make his training as an engineer an even more attractive asset to potential employers. “Networking is an ongoing process, even if you have an internship offer at hand.”
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Samuel White ’22 (MS) Samuel White, a first-generation graduate student, says the TEAM program gave him valuable insight into the professional world. “TEAM allowed me to speak to industry professionals who are now USD alumni and in industries I am interested in. The conversations were unfiltered and I felt confident asking how the pay structure was set up, how these businesses were formed, and whether they felt that those industries were a good fit for them.” A cybersecurity engineering major, White calls TEAM an “outstanding resource,” adding that he “is the first in his family to go to grad school and pursue a comfortable career.” He looks forward to “being a resource to future Toreros.”
Chiny Wamkpah, ’20 (BA) Chiny Wamkpah found power in the Torero network as she engaged in career exploration. TEAM offered remote opportunities to connect with alumni around the world. “I have found the TEAM portal to be resourceful in connecting me with USD alumni working in careers aligned with my passions and interests. It was especially helpful to have TEAM members lend their job-seeking advice and provide overall reassurance as navigating the COVID-19 job market has not been easy. I have even connected with a few members who are giving me great insight on preparing to apply for graduate school this fall and how to determine the best graduate programs for me.”
Aaron Blumenkranz ’97 (BA) Google’s Head of Sales, Aaron Blumenkranz, draws a direct line from his time at the University of San Diego to his professional success. “I owe a lot to USD,” he says. “When it comes to knowing how to work hard, be personable, ask questions and ask for help, that vulnerability was always OK at USD.” He says he uses skills he learned as an undergraduate every day on the job, particularly when it comes to seeking input from others to get things done. “You’re often asking for help in business, in deals, while working with people and leading.” Blumenkranz also believes in giving back; that’s why he recently participated in an Alumni Zoom Trip video to share his insights.
Grace Lee ’06 (MS) Grace Lee is a member of USD’s Employer Advisory Board, which she calls a “great connection to the university.” Lee, senior vice president and chief human resources and diversity officer at Cubic Corporation, credits her involvement with the board for providing her with access to other employers in the area as well as a forum to discuss trends and initiatives. “At Cubic, we’ve hired a number of graduates from the university and it’s absolutely a partnership that’s key in our talent funnel development program,” she says. “USD grads are impressive — they’re well prepared for the real world. They’re bright, resourceful and eager to learn and contribute.”
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GRADCONNECTION With the partnership of GradConnection, international opportunities with growing global companies based in Asia, India and the Middle East took on greater importance. USD is a member of a dynamic consortium, helping students and alumni who return to their countries to find a multitude of employment opportunities with the regions’ top recruiters.
TEAM Torero Employer and Alumni Mentors (TEAM) is the University of San Diego’s online networking and career mentoring program that allows for meaningful conversations where one can ask career questions and receive valuable insight into a career field, company or role of interest. The interactive platform platform also connects users to exciting new professional opportunities and allows them to join groups and ask targeted questions in group discussions.
THE BRINK The Brink Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of the San Diego and Imperial Small Business Development Center Network, hosted at the University of San Diego and funded through a variety of public funds. This includes a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, California GoBiz Office and a partnership with the County of San Diego. Working collaboratively during the pandemic, the Career Development Center provided Brink companies with interns. The companies, in turn, benefitted from a fresh perspective and hands-on support from undergraduates eager to learn new skills and contribute to the success of a growing company in the San Diego region.
ALUMNI ZOOM TRIPS USD alumni were virtually interviewed in 27 alumni Zoom trips throughout the year from all over the country to discuss COVID-19’s impact on their lives, how best to navigate the job market now and in the future, as well as topics on leadership, public speaking, remote work and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. These alumni Zoom trips provided valuable insights for students and alumni, offering practical and honest guidance about a variety of career-related topics.
EMPLOYER ADVISORY BOARD The Employer Advisory Board members consult with the USD’s Career Development Center to ensure our activities, student resources and guidance provided to students and employer engagement opportunities are in alignment with industry and market trends. The ongoing input from this dynamic and engaged board ensures optimal student preparedness and helps the Career Development Center team address employment issues as our students transition from campus to career.
4,965 TEAM users
57 %
increase in TEAM users between 2019 and 2020
51
alumni affinity groups offering mentorship
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C A R E E R FA I R S Targeted virtual career fairs were offered for students to explore companies and job functions across industries based in a variety of geographic locations. The remote format offered an opportunity for companies and students to connect without the constraints of travel.
WELCOME TO THE CITY With a focus on building community, participants share advice and ideas on how to build a career and a meaningful life across the globe. The Career Development Center and Office of Alumni Relations collaborated throughout the year to offer regular virtual networking events in geographic locations around the United States — connecting students, alumni, parents and friends of Toreros. These events have become a fun way to explore and broaden your network!
HANDSHAKE Handshake allows students to find their dream internship by connecting them with leading organizations and employers. Services include on-campus interviews and events; a robust job and internship search tool; appointment scheduling and much more. Through the Handshake portal, employers can post jobs or internships; participate in career fairs and recruit students for particular opportunities.
S U M M E R I N T E R N S H I P AWA R D The Summer Internship Award supports eligible undergraduate University of San Diego students participating in meaningful summer internships, undergraduate research or career-related community service. The award is not a replacement for wages, but rather is intended to offset living, transportation or other expenses associated with participating in a summer internship. Students granted this award are eligible to receive up to $3,000 that will be disbursed in three payments. This year, 65 students earned the award thanks to the generosity of USD’s donors.
8
virtual career fairs
6
1,193
students attended the virtual career fairs
219
employers participated in the virtual career fairs
62,544 job and internship opportunities on Handshake
Shawntelle Flanders ’21 (BA) Shawntelle Flanders credits a virtual career fair she attended with helping her learn about a marketing internship with the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS). “After talking with the current intern, I got an interview and was eventually offered the role,” she recalls. “These virtual sessions made the search and interview process much easier. I always recommend that others take advantage opportunities like this. I’m excited to learn so much from MCCS during this internship, and to work with a group of knowledgeable women who have already made interning there great!”
Sara Vanaki ’23 (BA)
Arrion Archie ’21 (BS/BA)
Sara Vanaki is majoring in computer science and mathematics at USD. She credits the Career Development team for helping her obtain a research and development internship at Genentech.
Arrion Archie has great things to say about the summer internship he earned with the Silverway Investment Group.
“After I submitted my resume, Genentech requested an interview. I prepared with the help of Assistant Director Emily Baxt,” she recalls. “We went over practice questions and also a couple curveball questions, which was very fun and helpful!” She says after applying for many internships — and not always hearing back — she knew if she kept trying, her efforts would pay off. Vanaki has this advice for fellow students: “Don’t give up after a couple rejections, keep applying and asking companies what skills you can learn, so that next time you apply, you’re better suited for the position.”
“I primarily worked in the web development of the real estate company’s online portal, which serves to facilitate operations for residents such as paying rent,” he explains. “This experience was significant to me because it exposed me to the software and web development industry, the real estate industry and a professional environment where I learned about conducting business and a deeper overall context involving creating and deploying a business website from scratch.” He’s excited by the knowledge he gained, and is certain the skills he gained will benefit him in his future career pursuits. “I enjoyed progressing my overall professionalism and gaining a future work sample via my involvement in this summer internship.”
Bennett Dondoyano ’21 (BBA) Bennett Dondoyano found the work he did as an intern for the City Heights Community Development Corporation extremely gratifying. “During my time at City Heights CDC, I learned the importance of our summer reading program,” he says. “While conducting outreach and enrollment, I got the chance to speak directly to the parents before I ever got to talk to the kids.” He says due to COVID, the children hadn’t been in a classroom setting for well over a year. “The parents had been having a tough time,” he recalls. “Talking to them on the phone, they were especially grateful to enroll their children in the program and to start receiving reading and learning material. One mother was so thankful that the reading program was still happening that she started crying.”
7
Seattle
26
Portland
virtual Torero Treks
NYC Chicago
Silicon Valley
Washington DC
Silicon Beach San Diego
• • • • • •
94%
of students agree they have a better understanding of their career path as a result of attending a Torero Trek
98%
Dallas
of employers agree hosting a Torero Trek was a good use of their time
100%
Austin Consumer Energy, Resources and Industrials Financial Services Government and Public Services Life Sciences and Healthcare Technology, Media and Telecommunications
of employers would be willing to participate in another Torero Trek
TORERO TREKS Torero Treks are opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in career exploration with companies across the nation — offering insights into specific regions or industries. They include alumni panels, office tours and networking opportunities that allow students to connect with professionals and learn about career paths. During the pandemic, the Career Development Center found that employers were eager to help students virtually explore their companies.
• A Noise Within • Accenture • Amazon • AT&T • AWS Elemental • Boeing • Buzzfeed • Capstone Partners • Cisco • Crowdstrike • Cubic • CVS Health • DA Davidson • Daimler Trucks North America • Dell • Deutsche Bank 8
• Federal Bureau of Investigation • Enlightened Brand Ventures • EVgo • Facebook • Gallup • General Atomics • GoGuardian • Google • Hulu • Hunger Free America • Illumina • Intel • International Trade Administration • Kashi
• Lockheed Martin • Los Angeles Times • Microsoft • MUFG Bank • Nike • Northern Trust • Palo Alto Networks • PatientPartner • PIMCO • Puzzle Pieces Marketing • Quidel • Raindrop Branding & Advertising • Reality Changers • Rescue Agency • Resolution • RetailMeNot
• Seer Interactive • Snap • Starbucks • Sublimity Therapeutics • T-Mobile • Tandem Diabetes • The Brink • The San Diego Foundation • UC San Diego Health • United Way of San Diego County • Vanda Pharmaceuticals • ViacomCBS • ViaSat • Voices for Children • Wall Street Journal • Wine Warehouse
Full-time Employment by Industry
• Financial Services (31%)
• Government and Public
• Life Sciences and
4% 4% 2%
13% Finance and Banking 12% Accounting/Auditing 6% Real Estate Healthcare (17%)
86%
of 2019-20 respondents are employed or in graduate school
83%
of 2019-20 respondents received their first fulltime job offer within three months of graduating
92%
participated in an experiential learning activity (e.g. internship, research or community service)
13% Health and Medical 4% Science and Research
• Consumer (15%) 11% 2% 1% 1%
Marketing, Sales and Consumer Products Transportation Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation Manufacturing and Product Development
Services (10%)
Education, Child Development and Family Services Public Service, Government and Nonprofit Law
• Energy, Resources and Industrials (8%)
7% Engineering and Design 1% Energy and Utilities
• Other (5%)
• Technology, Media and
Telecommunications (14%)
11% Technology 3% Arts, Media and Entertainment This information represents data gathered from multiple sources for 73.8% of undergraduate students who graduated between July 2019 and June 2020. For detailed outcome information, visit sandiego.edu/outcomes/careers.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER 5998 Alcalá Park Manchester Hall, Room 101 San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 260-4654 careers@sandiego.edu sandiego.edu/careers linktr.ee/usdcareers
The goal of the Career Development Center is to foster engagement, lifelong learning and a deep sense of belonging for students as they enter the next chapter of their lives. To learn more about our team, go to sandiego.edu/careers/about/directory.php. To learn more about our programs and resources, go to vimeo.com/showcase/8757863.