Career Blog

4/29 - Making a Difference

Winston Churchill said “we make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”1  Wouldn’t the perfect job be one in which you can give of yourself while getting a paycheck? 

It’s the reason why some people choose to work in non-profit organizations, or become doctors, or join the Peace Corps.  To give to someone who is in need. And it can be one of the most fulfilling feelings in the world. 

Sometimes, to make a difference, we have to sacrifice an opportunity to get paid or add a responsibility that increases our stress levels.  These decisions can be hard ones, but rewarding none-the-less. 

I know that my decision to be a school counselor was relatively easy—it was something that I enjoy and I love to help students. It’s definitely a sacrifice in pay when compared to other positions that require graduate work.  However, the intrinsic benefits of helping others outweigh the cut in income, making the choice a gratifying decision.  

Peace Corps is all about helping others in need.  It’s a fantastic volunteer program that has had 190,000 volunteers and trainees to date in 139 different countries.  Currently, 8,079 trainees and volunteers are working today in areas such as education (36%), Health & HIV/AIDS (21%), Business (15%), Environment (14%), Youth (6%), Agriculture (5%) and other great programs.2  Diana Gomez, who is a Peace Corps Recruiter and Representative, works right here at the UCSD Career Services Center.  She meets with UCSD students and discusses the benefits and the life-changing experiences of Peace Corps volunteers.  If you like to travel, to work in a community, or to just make a difference, come to the Peace Corps Information Session 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tuesday May 6th at the Career Services Center to find out more about this great program! 

Doctors also make huge differences in people’s lives.  As we all know, it’s a competitive process to be admitted to medical school, and it’s no wonder that it’s one of the top most popular topics for UCSD undergraduates.  With several hospitals and clinics in the San Diego area, doctors are always in demand.  If you’re thinking of applying to Medical School in 2009, be sure to come to our presentation Medical School: What Applicants for 2009 Admission Need to Know Wednesday, May 7th from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Career Services Center. 

Giving of yourself and your time can be a most rewarding experience. Take time to fully appreciate what you do for others, whether you are doing it through preparing for your future career, through student organizations, through your community, or during your classes. “If we have the opportunity to be generous with our hearts, ourselves, we have no idea of the depth and breadth of love's reach.” Margaret Cho. 1 

Also at the UCSD Career Services Center this Week: 

Obtaining an Internship; Monday May 5th, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.  Career Services Center Horizon Room

Practice Interviewing for Job Seekers; Tuesday May 6th, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. *Sign up required* Career Services Center Conference Room.

Peace Corps Information Session; Tuesday May 6th 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Career Services Center Horizon Room.

Medical School: What Applicants for 2009 Admission Need to Know; Wednesday May 7th, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  Career Services Center Horizon Room.

Professional Etiquette and Networking Dinner; Wednesday May 7th 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. *Sign up required* Faculty Club.

Discover Your Dream Career A (2nd Session); Thursday May 8th, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. *Sign up required* Career Services Center Conference Room. 

-Amanda