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Career Exploration

Career Discovery Groups 

Career Discovery Groups (CDG), a partnership between the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Internship and Career Center, give freshmen and first-year transfer students an opportunity to explore career possibilities and make academic choices for future success. Students who participate in Career Discovery Groups have higher rates of retention at UC Davis. Interaction with faculty and advisors helps them gain focus; guidance from graduate student mentors helps Career Discovery Group students learn to navigate the research university and use campus resources.

What will Career Discovery Groups do for me?

Career Discovery Groups will help you begin your career planning right away. You will be able to research an array of careers with mentors and fellow students in a small-group setting.

Who is eligible?

All College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES) freshmen and first-year transfer students are welcome. 

Career Discovery Groups are required for students in Aggie Jumpstart

How does the program work?

Career Discovery Groups provide you with special classes and a mentor to introduce you to campus resources, to help you explore potential career paths, and to guide you with course selection. There are only 20 to 25 students per CDG, so you'll be part of a group with shared interests. Together, you can begin your quest for discovery from day one! 

The program for freshmen lasts three quarters, with one career exploration course per quarter. A graduate student mentor will support you in your transition to the UC Davis campus, help you network with professionals, alumni, and experienced Aggies at special events, and guide you as you define your interests.

The program for first-year transfer students offers one fall quarter course in which you work with a graduate student mentor to learn how to navigate the research university, assess your skills, values, and interests, and explore career options.

Freshman Program

The freshman Career Discovery Group includes three courses in major and career exploration, one per quarter during freshman year. Graduate students trained as Career Discovery mentors and experts from the UC Davis Internship and Career Center lead these courses. You are encouraged to enroll in all three quarters.

A Career Discovery mentor leads you in learning how to navigate the university and explore your personal skills and values as they relate to your major and career exploration.

Winter Quarter

SAS 006B, Career Discovery Seminar: Positioning Yourself for Success
(3 units, lecture 1.5 hour(s)/discussion 1.5 hour(s), letter grading)

Lecture

Tuesday              4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m.              California Hall 1100

Discussion

Times and locations vary. Please see below.

CRN

Discussion Day

Discussion Time

Discussion Location

41340

Thursday

4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Wellman 7

41341 (Aggie Jumpstart)

Thursday

4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Hutchison 357

41342

Thursday

4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Hutchison 103

41343

Thursday

4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Briggs 122

41344

Thursday

4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Briggs 366

41345

Thursday

4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Teaching & Learning Complex 1218

41346

Thursday

4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Roessler 55

41347

Thursday

4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Giedt 1006

41348 (Aggie Jumpstart)

Thursday

4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

TBD

41349 Thursday 4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Social Science & Humanities 90
41350 Thursday 4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Hutchison 102
41351 Thursday 4:40 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Wickson 1038
How do I register for the CDG program?

You can register to participate in the CDG program during Aggie Orientation or Pass 2. Presentations held during Aggie Advising will further describe the CDG program, and your advisors will be available to help you make an informed decision and provide you with course registration numbers. 

Questions? Let us know!