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Take a Triton to Work presents an opportunity for students seeking career and professional guidance to meet and interact with an alumni professional via a career conversation or job shadowing experience. Students get real-world advice in potential fields of interest and industries and alumni have the opportunity to share their valuable career insights. Scheduling is flexible, based on the preference of the participants, and meetups can take place in-person or virtually.

Key Dates

  • Now through Feb. 18: Students sign up by completing/updating their Tritons Connect profile and opt-in (See details in “How do I participate?”). Students will be prompted to complete a survey to confirm their registration.
  • Feb. 20: Match Day: Students and alumni are paired
  • Feb. 20-March 15: Students reach out to introduce themselves and confirm a meetup
  • Feb. 26-March 22: Students who’ve confirmed a meeting with their alumni host are invited to pick up a complimentary coffee card.
  • Feb. 26-Mar. 29: Meetups take place leading up to and through Spring Break (in-person and virtual).

How do I participate?

  • Join/login to Tritons Connect.
  • Complete/edit your profile by clicking on “Edit Profile.”
    • Upload a photo.
    • Include three Industry/Research interests as well as Major and College/Professional School
    • Scroll down to the “Seek Mentoring” section and select “Take a Triton to Work.”
    • If you have a LinkedIn profile, enter the URL and other social media links, and be sure to include additional interests, experiences and affinities.
    • Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “save.”
      Pro-Tip: Your complete Tritons Connect community profile serves as a reflection of you and is essential for matching, engaging with others, networking and personal branding.
  • Need help? Feel free to book an appointment with a Career Consultant on Handshake.
  • Questions? Contact careercenter@ucsd.edu

Sign up to Participate

Student Workshop

As a UC San Diego student, you have access to a robust Tritons Connect network — alumni, employers, parents, staff and faculty — who are willing to meet and share their post-graduation journeys. Take a Triton to Work offers students the unique opportunity to meet with these industry professionals for valuable career conversations. Understand how these tools can enhance your student experience.

Student Workshop video coming soon!

FAQs

What is Take a Triton to Work?

Take a Triton to Work connects current students with alumni to explore potential career paths without the pressure of grades or full-time internship commitments. Students can ask questions, exchange information and receive career and professional development guidance via a meeting or job shadowing experience.

Why should students participate?

  • Explore a pathway into a career field or industry and find out what it’s like to be a working professional.
  • Experience the workplace to get an inside perspective of a particular organization/field.
  • Learn how to apply formal education and experiences by engaging with successful Tritons.
  • Assess "fit" for a particular career, industry or organization.
  • Make Triton career connections with alumni who want to help.
  • Gain real-world, practical experience and practice networking.

How do I participate as a student?

To be paired with an alumni partner for the winter/spring 2024 session, join Tritons Connect and complete/update your profile by Sunday, March 5.

  • To view your profile, click on your small round profile photo in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
  • Click on “Edit Profile” to change or add information as you wish.
  • Include three Industry/Research interests as well as Major and College/Professional School
  • Scroll down to the “Seek Mentoring” section, choose “Take a Triton to Work.”
  • If you have a LinkedIn profile, enter the URL and other social media links, and be sure to include additional interests, experiences and affinities.
  • Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Save.”

What is the matching process?

Participating alumni and students will be paired and notified for the winter/spring session on February 20. After you’ve been matched, reach out and send a friendly message to introduce yourself to your alumni partner. Respond to his or her communication in a timely manner, exchange information and confirm the meetup.

When does the next edition of the Take a Triton to Work program take place?

Beginning February 20, students who’ve been paired with alumni will reach out to introduce themselves and initiate a career conversation to happen leading up to and through Spring Break (March 25, 2024-March 29, 2024). Alumni hosts and students can choose dates that work best for them.

What if I have questions and need help?

Drop-in advising with a Career Peer Educator is available so that you can make the most out of Take a Triton to Work and other opportunities via Tritons Connect. You can also book a 1:1 appointment with a Career Consultant through Handshake. Discuss strategies for making the most out of your career exploration experience, the importance of showing initiative and how to follow through to build meaningful connections and relationships.

View Career Center Advising options and book an appointment.

What does a typical Take a Triton to Work experience look like?

The length and structure of the experience is determined by the alumni host and may range from a virtual career exploration conversation, to an in-person job shadowing visit. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about their career journey and the path that led them there. Similarly, you are encouraged to share insights about yourself, the university and discuss today’s higher education learning experience.

What students are eligible to apply?

While the program is geared toward undergraduate students, all students can participate.

STUDENT RESOURCES