Although graduation is four years away for Salvadore Solis ’26, the first-year computer science student is learning resume-building strategies from Career Services on University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus.

“It was beneficial. I went in not knowing much about how to write a resume or make it more appealing to employers,” Solis said. “Bailey Gutierrez (associate director for Career Services) did an amazing job guiding me through my resume appointment. She clarified my questions and made me feel confident.”  

Career Services encourages students to get an early start through the Tigers on Pace program—a four-year plan that guides students through their academic career. 

“First-year students often think, ‘I don't need a job yet.’ But the sooner they come in, the sooner we can come up with a game plan that will match their skills with experiences that will help them be successful in the future,” Gutierrez said.

That groundwork includes internships and other experiential learning opportunities. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, students who have two or more internships as undergraduates are more likely to secure a job within six months of graduation. 

“Getting real-world experience is what the job listings are asking for,” said Takori Rooks ’23, a fourth-year computer science major. “It gives you a leg up and helps prepare you for graduation.” 

Rooks landed a CO-OP, an experiential internship program, at Boeing in May after Career Services helped polish his resume.

Staff can also provide expertise with cover letters, mock interviews, graduate school planning, career advising and internship search strategies.

“We want to teach students how to put their best foot forward and make a good first impression,” said Deb Crane, Career Services director.

Students interested in graduate school or careers in health care also need to start planning early.

“That process is extensive. For some programs, we start in their first year to make sure they are meeting the requirements for the program they are interested in,” Crane said.

Additional resources available through Career Services include professional headshots, a career closet where students can borrow professional clothing at no cost, and private rooms for virtual or phone interviews.

“We hear about students doing interviews in their dorm room or their car, and we want them to know we have this quiet professional space for them with the Pacific seal in the background. There is also a landline for phone interviews,” Gutierrez said. 

Students can make appointments through Handshake or by visiting Career Services on the second floor of the McCaffrey Center.