| The Multicultural Career Conference (MCC)
has provided students of color and low-income students an opportunity
to bridge the gap between the university and careers by connecting
with alumni of color. Students establish mentor relationships with
alumni who have successfully made it through UC Santa Cruz and into
the workplace or graduate school. One of the most striking aspects
about the conference is that students network with alumni, in person.
The conference is organized annually by a team of students
and staff from the Career Center, EOP, the Alumni Association, the
Ethnic Resource Centers, Baskin School of Engineering, and Student
Affairs. It is usually held during Winter quarter.
Each year we invite alumni of color from various career
and professional fields, as well as alumni who are currently in
graduate school. Students have the opportunity to network with alumni
often resulting in leads to internships and career opportunities.
Approximately, seventy-five to one hundred UCSC alumni and 150 students
of color attend the conference each year.
Many alumni come back to the conference year after year. Alumni
leaders have been identified through their participation in the
Conference. Over the years, more than ten UCSC Alumni Council members
have participated in the MCC.
The Multicultural Career Conference day consists of a brunch/lunch,
entertainment, ethnic community sessions, alumni panels, and network
opportunities for alumni, focus on mentorship, and a reception.
- Alumni Networking session -
Alumni gather before the students arrive to network and hear a campus
update from the Chancellor.
- Ethnic Sessions -
The ethnic break out sessions provide students with an opportunity
to discuss important community topics with alumni from their same
ethnicity. Alumni learn about issues and concerns facing students
today while students have the opportunity to build rapport with
alumni.
- Alumni Panels -
The day features alumni panels that are divided as follows: Arts
and Media, Business and Management, Health, Higher Education-Teaching
& Administration, Law, Public/Social Service, Science, and Teaching-K-12,
and Technology-including Liberal Arts Majors. These alumni panels
focus on the careers of alumni and create an opportunity for alumni
to discuss the importance and availability of internships within
their fields.
- Topical Discussions-
These discussion groups provide students and alumni an opportunity
to discuss topics that may cross ethnic and career lines. Topics
have included; making your passion your career, seeking out and
building effective mentoring relationship, promoting diversity and
cross-cultural understanding, and building creative collaborations.
- Closing Reception -
The day ends with a reception that includes good food and raffle
prizes!
The conference is unique; special efforts are made to reach out
to those students who usually have a difficult time getting acclimated
to the university. Alumni of color provide genuine support because
they too have had similar experiences. Alumni are excellent role
models and mentors, and it is not uncommon for students to connect
with alumni and develop lasting relationships at this conference.
To find out more about this years annual Multicultural
Career Conference contact Sheila Rodriguez, (831) 459-2184; mcc@ucsc.edu. |
