Get inspired by what our UC Davis community and regional development majors are doing in their careers. These alumni work with people to solve problems while creating political, social and economic opportunities. You'll find them working in city and regional planning, human resources, housing, and public policy.
Beyond these stories, more news about the alumni is available from the Department of Human Ecology. You also can learn more about this major on our blog.
Nick Sosa ’14
First, I’d like to mention that I didn’t start out as a community and regional development major — I started in civil engineering. Early on, I realized that engineering was not for me, and that was OK.
As I researched other majors, I looked for something that would allow me to work with buildings and design but stay in touch with the community. Then I found community and regional development.
After I graduated, I started with an internship with the city of Rancho Cordova, which opened the door for me to work in local government, first as a paid intern for a year and then as permanent staff.
Now as an urban planner, I work with various professionals from architects and engineers, to large developers and small business owners.
The most important thing I learned from my community and regional development courses is to see the bigger picture of issues and how they’re interrelated within a community. I use that understanding to make the community better.
I like that I can see the projects I work on go from concept to construction, and this makes me feel like I’m really making an impact.
Nick, who minored in sociology, works for Michael Baker International, a company that provides contracted employees to the city of Rancho Cordova.
Star Bacon ’15
I work with an affordable-housing development company in Oakland doing communications and grant writing. Our focus is to raise awareness and resources to slow the tide of displacement, provide more immediate options in the midst of the housing crisis, and operate with health and wellness at the center of our work.
I also work for the Afrikan Black Coalition, now the largest coalition of black students in California, as director of business and operations. I'm responsible for event planning, finance, fundraising and business development. In this role, I plan our annual ABC Conference, which is the largest convening of black students in California and among the top in the nation.
I also launched and operate Afrikan Black Coalition's first business, Kemetic Clothing. And, I manage a budget of more than $250,000 and conduct all finance operations.
Star developed her leadership skills as a student assistant to the chancellor while she attended UC Davis. Read about the event business she launched as a student. And join her on LinkedIn.
We’re looking for more alumni contributors. If you are a graduate who would like to share your career story, contact blog editor Susanne Rockwell at sgrockwell@ucdavis.edu.