Winter 2025 UCI-OC Alliance Meeting: Sparks Focus for Post-Graduation Success
With strong support from university leadership, the Alliance is poised to make a lasting impact on UC Irvine’s students’ post-graduation success. With a re-focus and a targeted approach, the Alliance's sub committees will continue creating a powerful synergy between academia and industry focusing specifically on enhancing unique value to programs and students at UC Irvine.
Some examples include:
- Offering comprehensive support, resources, and guidance to bridge the gap between academic life and professional careers.
- Equipping students with the practical skills, confidence, and opportunities necessary for a successful launch into their chosen fields.
Members witnessed two compelling presentations from partner schools, each demonstrating unique ways to enhance students' skills, experiences, and career prospects.
In a moving student panel moderated by Jon Gould, Dean of the UC Irvine School of Social Ecology, participants shared their transformative service-learning experiences at Centro Fox in Guanajuato, Mexico. This culturally relevant program allowed students to leverage their linguistic and cultural assets, tackle global issues like climate change and health equity and to connect with their heritage in meaningful ways.
One student shared, "I come from a mixed family status so, visiting Mexico is very complicated. Having the opportunity to go with my school, I felt really validated, like UC Irvine was looking at us and validating our experiences as first gen Latinx students offering opportunities that connected us back to our roots."
A second conversation evolved around preparing for the future business world. Dean Ian Williamson, and Professor Maritza Salazar-Campo from The Paul Merage School of Business led an engaging discussion on the future of business, highlighting the disruptive impact of AI on small businesses, the critical need for qualified talent and the importance of upskilling in developing top-tier professionals. Dean Williamson emphasized the Alliance's role as a competitive advantage for the Latinx community in Orange County, urging local businesses to connect with the School of Business to discuss business challenges.
As we move forward, the UCI-OC Alliance remains committed to fostering innovative partnerships and programs that will shape the future of our Latinx students, ensuring their success not just in the classroom, but in their careers and communities for years to come.