College Experiences That Helped An Executive Director At Central Coast State Parks Association Succeed
Sierra's undergraduate success stemmed from a focused senior thesis on seaweed aquaculture, leading to "connections that led to jobs," including a hatchery technician position. Equally important were the discipline from student athletics and the cultivation of positive relationships by treating "everyone well," demonstrating the value of both academic focus and interpersonal skills in career development.
Research, Networking, Work Ethic, Positive Attitude, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sierra Emrick
Executive Director
Central Coast State Parks Association
UCSB
No
Environmental & Related Sciences
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Focus on a specific area of interest through research or a senior thesis to gain valuable experience and connections.
2. Develop a strong work ethic and organizational skills through extracurricular activities like student athletics.
3. Build positive relationships with professors, classmates, and colleagues to create a strong professional network and gain support.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
In my undergrad, I studied environmental studies. I think some of the best things I did was write a senior thesis, which allowed me to really dive into what I was passionate about at the time: seaweed aquaculture.
That project led to connections that got me jobs. I eventually became a hatchery technician at an abalone farm because of that senior thesis. So, whenever you have the opportunity to research something or work on a specific project you really like and can see yourself doing after graduating, take it.
I was also a student athlete, and that experience made me super organized and diligent. It taught me a strong work ethic, which has paid big dividends and is something I rely on every single day.
Lastly, I'll just end with this: be a good human. Talk to people as if they're people. Teachers want to support you, and your classmates want to support you. They might just be shy or in a weird place. Treat everyone well and build positive associations. You never know who down the line is going to give you that reference letter or get you that job because they remember you as an awesome person. So, just try to be a good person and stand up for what you believe in.