UC Santa Barbara alumni know firsthand that career readiness is built through a mix of academic learning and real-world experience.

Degree Plus, a grant-funded pilot program, was created with exactly that goal in mind—and alumni play a vital role in its success.
Degree Plus combines industry-aligned professional training with supported internships, helping students strengthen their employability as they prepare to graduate. The program supports students who are within two years of graduation and provides them, at no cost, with a professional certificate through UCSB’s Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) unit. In partnership with UCSB’s Career Services, students also receive guided career preparation and professional development support, followed by a hands-on internship experience that connects their learning directly to the workforce.

Starting in Winter 2026, Degree Plus students are pursuing certificates in:

• Foundations of Agile Project Management
• Applied AI and Innovation
• Applied Business Essentials

Each student completes three short courses and can begin their internship during or after fulfilling their certificate. Throughout the process, students and employers are supported to ensure a meaningful and successful experience for everyone involved. This can include but is not limited to providing guidance on best practices, aligning organizational needs with student learning outcomes, and potential stipend funding for employer partners who qualify. 
 

How Alumni Can Get Involved

Alumni engagement is essential to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening connections between UCSB and industry. There are three impactful ways to participate:
1. Report Internship Opportunities at Your Organization
If your employer offers internships—or could benefit from a motivated, well-prepared undergraduate intern—we’d love to hear from you. Our team is dedicated to showcasing opportunities from our alumni community and connecting your employer to emerging talent.
2. Meet with students and serve as a referral
Be the professional you wish you had networked with as a student! Alumni can meet 1:1 with students who are interested in applying to internships at their organization. If you identify them as a good fit through strong rapport, alumni can serve as a referral. 
3. Get Support to Develop an Internship Opportunity
Not sure where to start? We’re happy to help. Alumni and employers can collaborate with the Degree Plus team and UCSB Career Services to shape internship roles, define projects, and identify the skills that matter most in today’s workforce.
4. Volunteer as a Panelist to Support Career Exploration
Sharing your career journey can make a lasting impact. Alumni volunteers are invited to speak on student panels designed to help undergraduates explore career paths, industries, and emerging opportunities.

We welcome alumni to complete this brief survey to indicate their interest in engaging with the Degree Plus program through the opportunities listed above. Interested alumni are also welcomed to attend one of our upcoming employer info sessions to learn more:

• Monday, April 27 at 12 - 1pm | RSVP Here
• Wednesday, April 29 at 2-3pm | RSVP Here
• Monday, May 4 at 8-9am | RSVP Here
• Wednesday, May 6 at 4-5pm | RSVP Here 

A Partnership with Purpose

By engaging with Degree Plus, alumni and employer partners gain early access to emerging talent, contribute to workforce development, and help shape graduates who are ready to make an impact from day one. Just as importantly, your insights help inform future certificate offerings and ensure the program remains aligned with industry needs.
We welcome the opportunity to connect, learn more about your organization’s interests, and explore how we can build a mutually beneficial partnership that supports student success.

Warm regards,
Brandon Hernandez
Industry Relations & Career Specialist
Degree Plus Program
UC Santa Barbara