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Stella, Industry Relations Manager at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Advize Career Interview
A UCLA Industry Relations Manager reveals a dynamic career path, evolving from fashion design to economics and culminating in a fulfilling role connecting students with industry.
The work emphasizes bridging the gap between student perceptions and real-world opportunities, requiring strong communication, organization, and adaptability.
A key lesson learned is the importance of concise communication in professional settings, contrasting with academic expectations.
Entry-level positions like operations or administrative coordinator roles within universities offer valuable experience at the intersection of academia and professional life.
Success in higher education demands a growth mindset and structured approach, while the most rewarding aspect is the impactful contribution to the community and the dynamic nature of the work, with no two days alike.
This career emphasizes learning to work effectively with diverse teams and utilizing technology for efficiency, highlighting the importance of proactively managing communication styles and timelines.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Stella Petrosyan
Industry Relations Manager
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of California, Riverside 2019
UCLA Anderson
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Economics
Education
Strategic Management and Executive
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
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Career Path of an Industry Relations Manager at UCLA
Stella's most valuable career lesson, honed during graduate school team projects, is the importance of "learning to be flexible and knowing how to work with a diverse group of people." This involves proactively discussing communication styles and timelines to avoid miscommunication, a skill equally valuable in both professional and personal relationships, as "disclosing that in the beginning, kind of help[s] avoid any sort of miscommunication to begin with."
Main Responsibilities of an Industry Relations Manager at University of California Los Angeles
As UCLA's Industry Relations Manager, Stella focuses on connecting engineering and technology employers with students, prioritizing data collection to understand industry trends and optimize services. Stella's work highlights the importance of bridging the gap between student perceptions of industry roles and the diverse opportunities available, aiming to match passionate students with ideal employers.
A Day In The Life Of An Industry Relations Manager At UCLA
A day for this Industry Relations Manager at UCLA involves promptly responding to inquiries, managing the Handshake platform to connect employers and students, and attending various meetings with colleagues, campus departments, and employers. The role is dynamic, allowing for optimization and efficiency through technology and relationship-building, with "no day [being] the same," focusing on deliverables such as outreach, data collection, and template creation.
Most Important Skills For an Industry Relations Manager at UCLA
Effective communication tailored to diverse audiences and utilizing accessible tools are crucial skills for job seekers, according to Stella, a UCLA Industry Relations Manager. Maintaining organization, promptness, and self-awareness—including knowing one's work style and prioritizing breaks—"to remember the reason that you're there"—are also essential for success in a demanding university environment.
Favorite Parts of Being an Industry Relations Manager at UCLA
Stella's favorite aspect of her Industry Relations Manager role at UCLA is its "dynamic nature," where "no one day is the same," allowing for continuous networking with employers and supporting student career aspirations. This, coupled with the opportunities for professional growth within UCLA—where Stella is also pursuing an MBA—provides a fulfilling and motivating career experience.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Industry Relations Manager at UCLA
Stella's biggest challenge as Industry Relations Manager at UCLA is navigating unintentional silos within the large organization, even within their own department. The solution, according to Stella, involves accepting that these silos cannot be entirely eliminated, but focusing on "simple and non-time consuming ways to share information," rather than constant communication which can lead to role confusion and conflict with unionized positions.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Higher Education Industry As An Industry Relations Manager At UCLA
Stella, UCLA's Industry Relations Manager, finds higher education highly fulfilling because the work is "impactful to the community" and provides a "sense of purpose." Their past struggles as a student further motivate Stella, making each workday exciting and avoiding the feeling that the work is a "burden."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Higher Education Industry, According To An Industry Relations Manager At UCLA
Success in higher education, particularly at a public research university, requires a "growth mindset" and the ability to adapt to a dynamic environment, embracing diverse perspectives. A structured approach and established plan are also critical for navigating unexpected changes and building a strong foundation for career growth.
What an Industry Relations Manager at UCLA Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Higher Education Industry
Stella, a UCLA Industry Relations Manager, learned the importance of concise communication in professional settings, noting that "no one is reading past the first sentence" of lengthy emails—a stark contrast to academic writing expectations. The interview process, Stella also discovered, is far more conversational than anticipated, requiring a different approach to self-presentation than what was experienced in undergraduate-level interviews.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Industry Relations Managers at UCLA
Entry-level positions at universities like UCLA often involve administrative roles with titles such as "operations coordinator" or "administrative coordinator," providing a broad introduction to "how a large institution operates" across diverse sectors like law, technology, and research. This experience offers valuable skills and exposure to the interplay between academics and professional careers, placing the employee at "the hub of the academic and professional realms."
Significant Career Lesson From An Industry Relations Manager At UCLA
Stella's career path took an unexpected turn from fashion design to economics, driven by a desire for a different life trajectory; this led to various student positions at UCR, culminating in a move to UCLA's career center, where "working on the admin side of a university" allowed Stella to leverage their skills and advance to their current Industry Relations Manager role.
College Experiences That Helped An Industry Relations Manager At UCLA Succeed
To prepare for a successful career, Stella recommends carefully researching desired career paths, going beyond job titles to understand the roles' actual responsibilities and organizational structures. This proactive approach, including considering career progression within companies versus job-hopping, allows one to "align life goals with career" and optimize career trajectory.
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