The 5 Steps to Navigating Your Career Journey

Career paths are rarely linear. In this episode, host Ryan speaks with Jaclyn Kung, Director of Career Development for professional master's programs at the UC Irvine School of Information and Computer Sciences, about how students can navigate the job search with intention and confidence. Jaclyn shares her own unconventional journey—from law school to retail leadership at Target, and eventually into higher education—highlighting how each role contributed valuable experience and perspective. The conversation introduces a practical five-step job search cycle, including self-assessment, preparing targeted application materials, building meaningful professional connections, preparing for interviews, and evaluating job offers. Jaclyn also explains why so-called "soft skills" are better understood as power skills, and how students can use class projects and internships to demonstrate leadership, initiative, and problem-solving abilities. Whether you're exploring career options or actively searching for your next opportunity, this episode offers practical strategies for building connections, learning from setbacks, and approaching your career as an evolving journey.