Welcome to career pathways in the areas of Non-Profit, Social Justice, and Education!

This section is for those interested in careers that support, advocate, and educate for and within diverse communities. Often, these communities include those that are underserved and underrepresented. There is a vast range of career pathways one can pursue from community organizing, social services, counseling, children’s services, and academic advising. 

The UCLA Career Center is committed to providing information and resources for you to make informed decisions about your career path. Below, you will find the following about various fields within the industry:

  • Details about career pathways
  • Key transferable skills relevant to entry-level positions in each industry
  • Average compensation
  • Entry level job titles to begin your search

You will also see details about majors that are most directly related to the industry. However, contrary to the idea that your major defines your career, your major is only one of the many components that will contribute to your post graduate aspirations. Your UCLA degree is designed to train you with transferrable skills that will make you marketable in a wide variety of industries and careers. 

  • NON-PROFIT & SOCIAL JUSTICE

    Professionals working in the non-profit and social justice industries play vital roles in creating positive change, addressing systemic issues, and advocating for marginalized communities.

    Valuable transferable skills for non-profit and social justice industries:

    • Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
    • Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
    • Social Perceptiveness – Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

    Compensation averages (According to the US Dept. of Labor, 2022)

  • EDUCATION

    The education industry comprises a wide range of institutions and organizations dedicated to providing education and educational services. These can be public, non-profit, or for-profit entities. Valuable transferable skills for education:

    Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

    Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

    Learning Strategies – Selecting and using appropriate training methods and procedures when learning or teaching new things.

Compensation averages (According to the US Dept. of Labor, 2022)

Check out the 2023-2024 Infographics for Public Services Industries here!

Interested in getting academic credit for your internship?

Please visit the Center for Community Engagement to learn how!

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UCLA Alumni Mentors

Explore and connect with UCLA Alumni to help you reach your career and professional goals. Use the UCLA ONE Directory to filter for specific industries and professional experience. Create a profile www.uclaone.com to start connecting with Bruins today.

  • Laguna Niguel, California
  • Community Service Officer UCPD
Connect with Sergey
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Story Coach
Connect with Baishali
  • Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Teacher
Connect with Yaritza
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Career Services Manager UCLA Extension
Connect with Laura
  • Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Community Health Educator Planned Parenthood Association of Utah
Connect with Jaquelin
  • Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • Lecturer Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Connect with Joshua
  • Lake Forest, California
  • Education Program Manager (former) NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Connect with Roslyn
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Director UCLA Alumni Affairs
Connect with Cory

Career Service Hours

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Tuesday 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
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