CLAS Career Development – Journey to my major: student panel and lunch chat

Join us for this student panel and some mingling with pizza!

This major exploration event will offer the opportunity for you to chat with fellow LAS students who will share insight about their major, how they found their fit, and key experiences including internships, research, student involvement, volunteer work etc. that have shaped their interests and UIC LAS journey.

Sponsored by First-at-LAS and LAS Career Development and Internships

Panelist Bio's:

Valeria Esparza, Psychology major w/ a minor in Spanish in the Professions and second minor in Disability and Human Development

Hello, my name is Valeria and I am a student employee with L@s GANAS, and work as Office Coordinator. I recently dove into my journey with research with the L@s GANAS Research Fellowship. I love to be involved with school, and my journey here has not been the easiest. As a first-gen student, figuring out my path was difficult, but I now know that everything falls into place eventually. I love helping others, and plan to pursue an Occupational Therapy career.

Jesus Figueroa, Economics major

I am a graduating senior with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. I am a first-generation student and first generation Mexican-American. I come from a low-income community with parents who had little education. My college journey began at UIUC, then I transferred to UIC in 2020. I’ve changed majors 4 times. I’ve been working full time throughout my college career, first at Target and now at Nordstrom. I interned last summer at Protiviti and will be returning there full-time post-graduation.

Sophia Hernandez, Integrated Health Studies major

Hi! I'm Sophia Hernandez, a first-generation transfer student majoring in Integrated Health Studies at UIC. I plan to pursue a career in the public health field specifically working with women, pregnant women and their pregnancy journeys, children, and young adults. I have a deep passion for working on the ground in communities across Chicago and being able to make a difference in the lives of individuals in need. At UIC, I am involved in the First-At-LAS program which connects you to a faculty mentor and other first-gen students to guide you in the undergraduate journey. I currently work at a non-profit organization called Envision Community Services on the Southwest side of Chicago as part of their Chicago Youth Service Corps program. Previously, I worked as a receptionist at a OB/GYN office specializing in midwifery where I gained immense experience with patient interaction.

Shruthi Krishna, Neuroscience major/Philosophy minor

Shruti is a senior and on the pre-med track. In her time at UIC, Shruthi interned at a hospital to work with underserved communities, conducted various research projects with UIC faculty, and founded a reproductive justice student org called SHAPE.

Crystal Malaquias, Applied Psychology and Criminology, Law, and Justice (double major)

I am a first-generation UIC senior studying Applied Psychology and Criminology, Law, and
Justice. Aside from being a student, I work at the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) as a Peer Success Coach and an intern at Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES). In the past, I have been part of the Urban Public Policy Fellowship Program as a fellow and have been active on campus with various groups. I am looking forward to talking to you all soon!