Events Calendar for UCI Students

We offer webinars, workshops, info sessions, career fairs and other types of events. Zoom details for virtual events including the link will be available upon registration. Registration is provided through Handshake. For more information, please see our Eligibility Policy.

2026 Winter Events Navigator - ALL EVENTS (PDF)

All Events

All Webinars, Workshops and Info Sessions are shown below. Career Fairs are listed separately.

 RegisterIn-Person: Get Career Ready: Design Your Career Wednesday, February 4th 2026, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm PST

February 4, 2026 (3:00pm - 4:00pm PST)

Career Pathways, Training Room, Irvine, California 92697, USA

 Want to expand your thinking about career paths? This hands-on workshop will allow you to experiment with career possibilities using methods from design thinking. We will learn how to think bigger, brainstorm new options, and create small, attainable next steps. This workshop is best suited for students who have not solidified their career path and are open to new ideas.

 RegisterIn-Person: Get Career Ready: What Can I Do With My Major? Tuesday, February 10th 2026, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm PST

February 10, 2026 (2:00pm - 3:00pm PST)

Career Pathways, Training Room, Irvine, California 92697, USA

Attend this hands-on, in-person Career Discovery Series workshop where you can explore diverse career options related to your major and career interests.

 RegisterVirtual: Get Career Ready: Uncovering the Hidden Job Market Thursday, February 12th 2026, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm PST

February 12, 2026 (3:00pm - 4:00pm PST)

Virtual

Most job and internship opportunities never make it to a public posting—that’s the hidden job market. In this session, you’ll learn how to uncover those opportunities. We’ll dive into practical strategies like networking, informational interviewing, and using LinkedIn effectively. You’ll also explore how generative AI can support your job search strategy, from tailoring outreach messages to researching career paths. By the end, you will feel confident navigating the job and internship search.  

 RegisterVirtual: Why Generic Resumes Won’t Get You a Job Offer Grad Students Only Wednesday, February 18th 2026, 9:00 am - 9:45 am PST

February 18, 2026 (9:00am - 9:45am PST)

Virtual

Nearly half of graduate students (48%) believe that submitting resumes to online job postings is the most effective way to land a job. But it’s not an effective strategy, and this approach often leaves graduate students and PhDs feeling frustrated in their job search. Add to this the challenges of job searching in an AI-driven job market, where generative AI-tools have made it easy for job seekers to churn out nearly identical resumes. In this competitive environment, PhDs must tailor their application materials and adopt a more strategic approach to job searching.Join this webinar to learn why you should tailor your resume, what you should spend your time and focus on, and how to unlock new opportunities and access the hidden job market.Register here:https://institutions.beyondprof.com/webinar-generic-resumes/

 RegisterVirtual: CPT and the Internship Search for International Students for F-1 students Wednesday, February 18th 2026, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm PST

February 18, 2026 (1:00pm - 2:00pm PST)

Virtual

Learn about Curricular Practical Training and the internship search at this virtual webinar for F-1 international students!

 RegisterIn-Person: Get Career Ready: Career Success Stories - UCI Alumni Panel and Networking Thursday, February 19th 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm PST

February 19, 2026 (4:00pm - 5:15pm PST)

Career Pathways, Training Room, Irvine, California 92697, USA

Join us for an engaging alumni panel featuring graduates who have successfully navigated the transition from UCI to meaningful careers. Hear firsthand their career journeys, lessons learned and insights and practical advice. This is a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by those who were once in your shoes. Sirius XM, Riot Games, Dream Schools, and other companies will be represented.Panelists and bios include:Nate Cho, Senior Director of Automotive Partnerships and Business Development, SiriusXM Alex Kearsley, Riot GamesNithin Jilla, Dreams for Schoolshttps://www.riewrites.org/Gabrielle “Rie” Lee, Award-winning author Nate: With a strong foundation in the automotive industry, Nate built a diverse career as a product manager, marketer, researcher, and strategic business partner. As Senior Director at SiriusXM, Nate leads partnerships with Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia. He approaches relationship-building through the lens of transparency, accountability, and empathy, striving to create value that goes far beyond transactions. Nate seeks to foster partnerships and collaborations that deliver mutual value, not only for brand partners but also for the end users who rely on our products and servicesAlex: After getting a BS, Alex spent his 20s trying a lot of different things until he settled into Learning & Development and Instructional Design. Alex loves helping people learn and grow, and in addition to my current work he has a passion for narrative writing and narrative design. Alex loves video games, board games, and watching esports (Go Cloud9) in his free time.Nithin: UCI alum, social entrepreneur and techie working at the intersection of education, technology & social impact. He founded Dreams for School and co-founded Excelsior Creative. for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations. A builder, creator, and lifelong learner, Nithin wrote a children’s book author of R is for Rice.Gabrielle: BFA in Dance Choreography, BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis in 2012, MFA in Creative Writing. She analyzes business systems & manages contracts for government aerospace missions and commercial programs, where she also played a key role in establishing the organization's Office of Inclusion. Her short writing appeared in several literary journals, and her debut novel, Vessel, recently won a 2025 Literary Global Children's Book Award. 

 RegisterCompass Series: Career Fair Prep: Stay on Course Grad Students Only Wednesday, February 25th 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PST

February 25, 2026 (12:00pm - 1:00pm PST)

Virtual

This workshop will equip you with the strategies and tools needed to excel at the March 4, Virtual Career Expo. Learn how to effectively navigate virtual platforms, engage with recruiters, and present yourself confidently in online settings. Key topics include preparing your elevator pitch, crafting a professional online presence, and following up after the event. By the end of the session, you'll be ready to make a memorable impression and maximize your networking opportunities at virtual career fairs.

 RegisterVirtual: Building a Great Linkedin Profile Wednesday, February 25th 2026, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm PST

February 25, 2026 (2:00pm - 3:00pm PST)

Virtual

Get tips on how to build a strong profile and make the most of LinkedIn at this virtual webinar. 

 RegisterNavigating Corporate Life as a Woman - with WiCyS and Splunk Wednesday, February 25th 2026, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm PST

February 25, 2026 (5:00pm - 6:00pm PST)

Career Pathways, Training Room, Irvine, California 92697, USA

Navigating Corporate Life as a Woman: a Q&A Curious about what navigating corporate life as a woman is really like? Curious about what it really takes to succeed as a woman in corporate? Join WiCyS (Women in Cyber Security) at UCI for an interactive Q&A panel featuring women in corporate roles as they share real experiences, career insights, and advice for entering and thriving in the professional world. The conversation will touch on topics like early career growth, workplace culture, building confidence, and exploring different career paths. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and engage directly with industry professionals from Splunk. Refreshments will be provided!

 RegisterVirtual: Will AI Help or Hurt My Job Search? Grad Students Only Wednesday, March 4th 2026, 9:00 am - 9:45 am PST

March 4, 2026 (9:00am - 9:45am PST)

Virtual

Job seekers are increasingly turning to generative-AI tools to help them in their job search. Resume builders, job search matching, and interview preparation tools all promise to help job seekers find and land the best jobs.But when millions of job seekers are using these tools and churning out nearly identical documents, standing out becomes nearly impossible. Overreliance on generic AI templates can hurt job seekers in an already saturated and highly competitive job market. Join this webinar on how AI can help — and also hinder — PhDs in their job search process, as well as what makes you stand out in a hyper-competitive job market?Register here:https://institutions.beyondprof.com/webinar-will-ai-help/

 RegisterVirtual: PhD and Master's Virtual Career Expo Wednesday, March 4th 2026, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm PST

March 4, 2026 (9:00am - 1:00pm PST)

Virtual

The GCC sponsored Virtual Career Expo (VCE), is a virtual recruiting and networking experience designed to connect graduate students, postdocs, and alumni from STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences fields, to employers. Meet with candidates from GCC host institutions listed below.Please check back for registration information.https://gccvirtualcareerexpo.vfairs.com/en 

 RegisterIn-Person: Job Searching in 2026: Strategies, Resources & Understanding AI Wednesday, March 4th 2026, 3:00 pm - 5:15 pm PST

March 4, 2026 (3:00pm - 5:15pm PST)

Career Pathways, Training Room, Irvine, California 92697, USA

Join this workshop by the Division of Career Pathways to learn effective strategies to search for jobs. Topics will include understanding ATS, identifying opportunities, and using our free online career resources. The first 20 students will receive a giveaway, courtesy of Beyond Ring Road!

 RegisterCompass Series: Behavioral Interview Pointers -Your Path to Success Grad Students Wednesday, March 11th 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT

March 11, 2026 (12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT)

GPSRC

Ace behavioral interview questions with confidence and clarity. In this workshop, you will learn how to effectively use the BART method (Background, Action, Result, Takeaway) to share compelling stories highlighting your skills, experiences, and achievement. Gain valuable insights on what employers are looking for, practice answering questions, and walk away with tools you need to leave a lasting impression in any interview.

 RegisterVirtual: How to Build & Grow Your Network for Non-Academic Jobs Grad Students Only Wednesday, March 18th 2026, 9:00 am - 9:45 am PDT

March 18, 2026 (9:00am - 9:45am PDT)

Virtual

Growing and maintaining a network takes time, but it is especially important for PhDs, many of whom have limited connections with professionals in other career fields. A network is one of the most critical parts of your job search, and can make a significant different in how long a job search lasts. Staying connected to, and engaging with, professionals in your career field of interest means that you’ll be top-of-mind when new job opportunities arise. This is your chance to stand out in a crowded and highly competitive job market. Join this webinar to learn how to maintain relationships with people I connect/network with, and how to continue expanding your network while job searching.Register here:https://institutions.beyondprof.com/webinar-build-and-grow-network/

Event Descriptions

Career Labs

  • Resume Lab
    Resume Lab Bring your laptop and drop in any time during our labs for hands-on help! A few tablets will be available on a first-come, first served basis. Whether you’re writing your first resume or just need help with tailoring it to a specific job, drop by for assistance with your resume questions.
  • Cover Letter Lab
    Cover Letter Lab Bring your laptop and drop in any time during our labs for hands-on help! A few tablets will be available on a first-come, first served basis. Bring a specific job posting to this hands-on working session where career advisors will provide individual help with your cover letter.
  • LinkedIn Lab
    LinkedIn Lab Bring your laptop and drop in any time during our labs for hands-on help! A few tablets will be available on a first-come, first served basis. Get a quick overview on LinkedIn and stay for an informal, open working session to build your LinkedIn profile.
  • Finding a Part-Time Job Lab
    Finding a Part-Time Job Lab Bring your laptop and drop in any time during our labs for hands-on help! A few tablets will be available on a first-come, first served basis. Get practical tips on effectively using Handshake to search for jobs and internships, setting up your profile, and making the most of Handshake.
  • Handshake Profile Lab
    Handshake Profile Lab There will be a quick 5 minute overview on our Building Your Handshake Profile Quick Tip handout at the beginning of the session, but otherwise this is an informal, open working session. Bring your laptop and drop in any time during the lab for hands-on help! A few Microsoft Surface tablets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for students who need a laptop.

General Workshops

  • Resume
    Creating Your First Resume Learn how to put together a first-rate resume in this workshop covering what to include, proper formatting, and how to tailor your resume to a job description. Technical Resume Writing Get tips on how to highlight your relevant skills, technical and extra-curricular experiences to make an impactful impression for technical positions. Identifying Your Professional Skills Gain insight into the top skills employers are seeking and how to translate your experiences to demonstrate your qualifications.
  • Interview
    Interview Techniques Ace the interview with tips on how to prepare and what to do during an interview. General Tips for the Technical Interview Learn what to expect and get tips on how to prepare for a technical interview.
  • Internships
    How to Get an Internship From internship search strategies to making the most of your internship, get ready for internship success! Internship 101 Learn about internships, how to structure your experience, and what to do to make the most of your internship.
  • Job Search
    How to Find a Work-Study or Part-Time Job Get tips on using Handshake and DCP resources to effectively search for work-study or part-time jobs. Job Search Strategies From networking techniques to tips on using Handshake, learn effective strategies to search for jobs. Your 1-Minute Elevator Pitch Get guidance and practice on how to introduce yourself at career fairs and professional events. Building Your Network Learn strategies for making connections and improving your networking skills. Prepare for the Fair / Prepare for the STEM Fair Make the best impression with recruiters by gaining tips on how to prepare for the career fair. Negotiating the Job Offer Gain confidence in negotiating a job offer by understanding the components of the offer and learning strategies for success. Are You LinkedIn? Learn how to build your profile and effectively use LinkedIn in your job search, including finding employers, researching industries, and making connections. Job Search Correspondence Learn techniques to craft effective cover letters, thank you letters, and professional email communication related to the job search process. CPT and the Internship Search for International Students Co-presented by the Division of Career Pathways and the International Center, this workshop explains what Curricular Practical Training is as well as how to search for internships. OPT and the Job Search for International Students Co-presented by the Division of Career Pathways and the International Center, this workshop explains what Optional Practical Training is as well as how to search for jobs.

Special Workshops & Events

  • Graduate & Law School Workshops & Events
    Graduate & Law School Week includes many of the following workshops along with the Law School Fair and Graduate & Professional School Fair. Click here to see example week. Graduate School Chat Get an overview of graduate school resources and chat with a career counselor about your graduate school questions. How to Finance Graduate School Think you won’t be able to afford graduate school? We’ll show you how! Applying to Graduate School Learn how to find which universities and programs are right for you, as well as details about the application process. Writing an Effective Personal Statement for Graduate School Learn how to craft a strong personal statement. Pre-Law Workshop Do you have an interest in someday applying to law school? If so, join us for a workshop focused on setting you up for success to apply. Topics that will be covered include: essential undergraduate skills to develop, how to become a competitive law school applicant, and what kinds of experiences to target. Applying to Law School Learn about the law school application process and what it takes to be a viable candidate. GRE Strategy Session An expert instructor will cover the content of the GRE, walk you through sample questions, and share examples of proven test-taking strategies. Law School Admissions Panel Learn about the law school selection and admissions process from a panel of experts. Applying to a Graduate School in Psychology Panel Get advice on how to become a viable candidate for graduate psychology programs.
  • Internship Week Workshops & Events
    Internship Week is a collection of webinars and events geared toward helping students find and make the most of their internship opportunities. Click here to see example.
  • Career Discovery Series & Student Success Career Panels
    The Career Discovery Series and the Student Success Career Panels are career panels that aim to educate students on different career possibilities to consider. Click here to see example topics.
  • Health Professions Workshops & Events
    Pre-Health Week includes many of the following workshops along with the Health Professions Fair. Click here to see example week. The Pre-Med Journey Gain insight on the medical school admissions process, including developing a competitive application, effective interviewing tips, and letters of recommendation. Writing a Winning Personal Statement for Medical / Health Professional School Learn how to build a powerful narrative about your accomplishments for admission to health professional schools. Preparing for the Medical / Health Professional School Interview Ace the medical / health professions interview with tips on how to prepare and what to expect.
  • Graduating Senior Career Launch Week
    Graduating Senior Career Launch Week is a week-long series that will prepare you to launch your job search. Click here to see example week.

Grad Student Workshops

  • Resume / CV
    GRAD – Resume Writing Take your resume to the next level. Learn how to tailor your content to the job description so employers see how your skills and experiences suit their needs. Plus, we’ll discuss the purpose, format, and content of a targeted cover letter. GRAD – Writing a CV This workshop explains the purpose, format, and content of the Curriculum Vitae. Learn how to create and critique your academic CV and how to tailor your CV to different institution types and highlight your best assets.
  • Interview
    GRAD – Preparing for the Academic Interview Learn about the various types of positions available, where to look for positions, and get an overview of the entire academic job search process. This session is full of tips and resources to help you successfully navigate the academic job search.
  • Job Search
    GRAD – Job Search Strategies for Grad Students Learn how to research and understand the job market. Discover how to narrow your search, locate jobs, and market yourself to business and industry.