Resources
Maya Hargens, Assistant Director for Graduate Career Education at UCSB, brings empathy and a student-centered approach to helping students develop lifelong career skills. Maya recommends three underutilized resources for graduate students: the DREAM Lab and Makerspace in the UCSB Library, the Career Services Career Closet, and appointments with Graduate Career Peer Advisors for personalized career support.
Who is Maya Hargens?
Maya Hargens is the Assistant Director for Graduate Career Education. Having been on campus since 2007, starting at Community Housing Office, and then moving to Career Services in 2013, Maya has seen a lot of change at UCSB, but what remains unchanged is that students always need support with their "real world" concerns. Whether counseling undergraduate or graduate students, Maya finds great importance in "teaching students how to fish" so that they have the career skills that can stay with them years to come. Maya's style while working with students is honesty, humor, laden with analogies, and most importantly, focused on empathy. Maya really takes the time to hear a student's story, understand where they are coming from, and offer support and resources from there. Whether it is a listening ear, a cheerleader, a gentle critic, or a campus resource provider, know that students will always be seen as their whole person. Maya's work with graduate students isn't new, however, she is really grateful and excited to learn alongside you. Schedule in Handshake soon and let's meet!
In Maya's Words:
What are your top three underutilized graduate student resources for professional development?
- UCSB Library- Of course you know about the library, but do you know about some of the unique departments within the library like the DREAM Lab or the Makerspace? The DREAM Lab is a space that supports you with all your Data, Research, Exploration, Access, and Methods needs. Just yesterday I met with a graduate student who wanted to learn Python both to support their research but also their potential future career prospects. I referred her to the DREAM Lab's Workshop list and she was excited to find a free and convenient option to further her education outside of the classroom and lab. The Makerspace provides a creative outlet to UCSB students, faculty, and staff, where not only can you learn a new hobby like sewing or button-making, but also try your hand at 3D Modeling and Laser Cutting.
- Career Services Career Closet- Whether you have a job interview or an important professional presentation coming up, the Career Services Career Closet has you covered from head to toe! Take a trip to Career Services Building 599 between 10 and 4, Monday-Friday, to meet with a Career Peer and pick out a full professional outfit once a quarter. Do you have professional clothes you no longer wear? Please drop them off for us to provide for our students!
- Graduate Career Peer Advisor Appointments- Talking about career-related topics with your fellow graduate students in your cohort isn't always easy. Instead, I encourage you to schedule some time to meet with Career Services' Graduate Career Peer Advisors for a trusted confidential conversation about your application documents, interview tips, LinkedIn overview, and best of all, your hype person! The Graduate Career Peers are there to support you, provide advice and feedback, from a place of understanding and empathy.
About the Author
Grace Kimball (she/her/per pronouns) is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Theater and Dance and a Graduate Career Peer Advisor at UCSB. She studies early modern English performance behaviors and faith and helps undergraduates learn about theater and performance studies in her classroom. Grace is also available for her graduate student colleagues through appointments on Handshake to discuss CVs, cover letters, resumes, interviews, and other job market materials.