If you plan to transfer to a new university, keep in mind that every college does things its own way. Professors design courses according to the standards of their own university, which may be different from another school’s.  

When you transfer, your new school looks at your transcripts (and your grades) and decides what coursework meets its standards. It then applies that course credit to your degree. The more credits you bring, the closer you are to your degree. That means you save time and money, too.  

So, if you want to transfer—whether you’re a community college student, a returning student or a four-year college student—then you should plan to make sure you can take as many credits with you as possible.  

Here are some things you should know about the process, so you can make an informed and confident decision when you transfer.  

How to start your transfer

Wherever you are in your transfer process, here’s one tip from University of the Pacific Director of Transfer Admission Channon Rosencrans: Talk to the school you’re interested in.  

“As soon as you’ve identified the school, go meet with them,” Rosencrans says. “As soon as they reach out to us, we help them with everything they need to know about the transfer process.” 

It’s never too early to speak with a transfer counselor. They can help you understand the process at that particular university and make sure you’ve checked all your boxes. 

It’s also worthwhile to review a university’s transfer credit policy, typically found on its website. These offer important guidance on grade minimums, credit transfer maximums, quarter-to-semester conversions and similar information.  

Course articulation

Course articulation is the process in which a university decides an external course is equivalent to one of its own courses.  

Universities may develop articulation agreements with other institutions, typically community colleges, that guarantee certain courses will transfer. That’s a huge boon for planning courseloads at your current school.  

If the university you’re interested in doesn’t have an articulation agreement with your institution, speak with your transfer counselor. They may be able to offer guidance on course selection.  

“At Pacific, the easiest way is to follow the transfer pattern for the UC system. We’re a bit more lenient, so if you follow that transfer process, then you’re meeting our requirements as well,” Rosencrans says about California General Education Transfer Curriculum, better known as Cal-GETC. 

Even though universities differ, there are a few common factors they use to determine whether credits transfer:  

• Accreditation: Certain organizations recognized by the Department of Education can grant accreditation to universities that meet their quality standards. Typically, universities only accept credit from other accredited schools.
• Course equivalency: A course needs to be similar in content and level of rigor.
• Grade requirements: You typically need a minimum grade of “C” for a course’s credit to transfer to your university.

Unit caps

You can only bring so many credits to a new university. Review your university’s transfer credit policy or speak with a transfer counselor for guidance on your situation.  

At Pacific, for example, community college students can bring up to 70 units. After that, courses can still satisfy content requirements but will not count toward your minimum units needed for graduation.  

Major requirements and transfer pathways

Some universities offer transfer pathways to make the process easier. Think of them as a roadmap to help you graduate on time.  

These pathways include recommendations for lower-division or pre-requisite courses that ensure you have a similar knowledge base and standing as a four-year student at that university. 

Pacific groups its transfer pathways by college or school. Find out which college your desired major is housed in, then check the dropdown menu for more information, tips and recommendations.  

No transfer pathway for your major? You can still speak with a transfer counselor and apply through the normal channels. 

Tools

There are some tools that help you take the guesswork out of credit transfers. If you use one, keep in mind that these are unofficial evaluations. In other words, the system gives you the best answer it can, but that is not a guarantee.  

California college students can use ASSIST to find articulation agreements between their current institution and other universities.  

The university you’re interested in may have its own tools, too. Pacific, for example, partners with EdVisorly to provide an easy-to-use system to get an idea of which credits will transfer. All you have to do is provide your current institution, then upload a photo of your transcript.  

Common transfer student questions

Does GPA transfer from community college to university? 

No, your GPA does not transfer. When you start at a new university, only your grades there count toward your GPA in its system. That being said, your past GPA is still important for acceptance, scholarships and other things.  

Do transfer students get financial aid? 

The short answer is yes. As long as you file an updated FAFSA, you can receive financial aid after you transfer to a new university. However, you should speak with the financial aid department at your university to ask questions about your situation.  

At Pacific, all transfer students in eligible programs are automatically reviewed for merit scholarships after they submit an application.  

Do college credits expire? 

Technically, no. Once you’ve earned college credit, it’s yours forever. That’s only part of the story, though.  

If you’re a returning student, your field of study may have evolved since you were in school. So, a university may decide a course you took, which may once have articulated is now out-of-date and therefore no longer matches the rigor of current courses.  

If you’re uncertain about any of your courses, this is a good question to ask a transfer counselor.  

Where can I learn about the transfer student experience?  

Here are some other blog articles you can read to learn more. 

If you’re a university student who has ever thought about transferring to another university, you’re actually in pretty sizable company. Nearly 1.2 million college students transferred in 2024, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.  

It’s not easy to make that decision, especially after all you did to get accepted into your current college. But another university may be a better fit for you and your goals. And, with the right preparation, a transfer can be straightforward.  

This blog article helps you decide if you should transfer, how to prepare and how to find the right, transfer-friendly university.  

Is transferring the right move for you?

Before you do anything else, think about why you want to transfer to another university. Write down or type up your reasons. This has two purposes. First, you can evaluate your thoughts to see if you should transfer at all. And second, if you know what you want, you can confidently find the right university.  

When you evaluate each of your reasons, ask yourself: Is this something I can fix? You may be able to speak with a counselor, professor or fellow student to address an issue.  

Sometimes there are issues that can’t be solved. Here are some common reasons students choose to transfer:

• Academic program: Your university may not be a good fit for your educational goals. Maybe you’ve changed your major or refined your area of study into something your university doesn’t focus on.  Look for universities with departments or professors that specialize in what you want to study.
• Location: Although it can seem like a lesser consideration, a university’s location is important for your internship or off-campus job opportunities. Some industries are concentrated in specific areas. For example, the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston and San Diego are major hubs for biotech companies. You don’t need to study near your desired industry, but it can help. Look for universities that are either near opportunities or can provide equivalent experiences.
• Social fit: It’s important to feel like you belong at your university. It may not directly contribute to your education, but your social life is vital to long-term mental health. It’s also a chance to build a network of people who want to work in the same industry as you. Even if you’re already a college student, you can still schedule a tour at another university to assess this for yourself.
• Financial considerations: If you or your family have had a change in financial status, you may not be able to afford your current university. Before you act on this, be sure to talk with your university’s financial aid office. Counselors may be able to help you. If you do apply to other institutions, you should compare their financial aid offers.

When is it too late (or too early) to transfer colleges?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the short version is, it’s (almost) never too late or too early to transfer. It depends on your circumstances, progress toward a bachelor’s degree and how the university handles transfer applications. 

The best way to get a definite answer, according to University of the Pacific Director of Transfer Admission Channon Rosencrans, is to speak with a counselor.  

“If every student thinking about transferring spoke to the school they’re interested in as early as possible, that would help them tremendously,” she says.  

If you’re a returning or four-year student, you can get answers tailored to your situation. It’s also a chance to make sure you meet all the requirements for a transfer.  

“Four-year to four-year transfer students need to reach out to the institution they’re transferring to,” Rosencrans says. “Because they could be missing prerequisites or taking courses they don’t need. We want to make sure they’re on the right track.” 

Before you meet with a transfer counselor, review the transfer process and policies at the university you’re interested in. If you’re unclear about anything, a meeting is also a chance to ask those questions.  

How to transfer from university to university

Once you’ve decided that transferring is the right move, the next step is to understand how to do it. The process varies, but these steps apply almost everywhere. 

Contact the university you want to transfer to

Like Channon advises, reach out as soon as possible. Most universities have dedicated transfer admission professionals. You can set up a virtual meeting to get your questions answered.  

Gather your documents

Generally, you need:

• Official transcripts from your current university
• Any required test scores or personal essays
• Letters of recommendation

Some universities, including Pacific, require less than others do for an application. 

“We make it as simple as possible. We ask for the application and their unofficial transcript. That’s all we need,” Rosencrans says. 

Keep in mind, you may need to provide more documentation, like your official transcripts, after you’ve been accepted.

Find out which credits transfer

It’s possible that your new university won’t accept all the credits you’ve completed in coursework at your current school. The registrar’s office generally decides which credits transfer after you’ve been accepted as a student.  

That doesn’t mean you have to go into a process blind, though. Look for a university’s coursework transfer policy on its website to understand what kinds of credit it accepts.  

Some universities also have online tools to help you understand which credits will transfer when you enroll, although these are not official assessments. At Pacific, for example, it’s as simple as uploading a picture of your transcript.  

“It’ll calculate out your full evaluation,” Rosencrans says. “It’s unofficial, but we hope it’ll prompt you to meet with us, the transfer team. It gives a lot of detailed information, like what transfers or what doesn’t transfer. It can even let you know what else you need to take before you come.”

Apply

Once you’ve decided where you want to go and gathered your materials, you’re ready to go! Since you’ve already applied to college once, this will be a familiar process.  

If you apply to more than one university, make sure you keep a close eye on each deadline!

How to find transfer-friendly colleges

Not every university provides same level of support to transfer students. Some design their policies with transfers in mind, while others do not. Here are some things to look for to find the right fit.  

Keep in mind that this isn’t a set of criteria for choosing a transfer college, they’re a few things to compare between universities that you’re looking at.

• Clear transfer credit policies on their website
• Online tools that help you see what courses will transfer
• Dedicated transfer advising
• Transfer-specific scholarships

You should also consider whether the university has a strong transfer student community. Look for student clubs, transfer student associations or other on-campus organizations. Being around other students in the same situation can make your transition smoother and help you build friendships faster.  

Felicity Andrews ’24  
Major: Graphic design 
Internship: Creative design intern, Walt Disney Company 
Hometown: Modesto, California 
Clubs/Activities: AIGA Student Group; Department of Art, Media, Performance and Design representative, Associated Students of University of the Pacific; Calliope Art & Literary Magazine; InterVarsity Christian Fellowship; TEDx UoPacific Marketing Team  

Felicity Andrews ’24 transferred to Pacific and found her creative home in Pacific’s graphic design program. With three internships under her belt already and a packed resume of campus involvement, Andrews is putting her skills to work as an intern at The Walt Disney Company where she contributes to global projects for the company. Andrews reflects on her Pacific experience, what led her to design and the advice she has for future creatives. 

Describe your internship and how your experiences at Pacific helped prepare you for this opportunity. 

I’m currently a creative design intern at The Walt Disney Company, supporting the Talent Acquisition Marketing team. Our team leads recruitment marketing efforts across Disney Enterprises, which means I have the exciting opportunity to contribute to projects spanning a wide range of Disney businesses—both domestically and internationally.  

Right now, I’m focused on supporting Disney Programs, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney on the Yard, a program for Historically Black College or University (HBCU) students. No two days are the same, which keeps things engaging. Depending on the needs of our partners, I’ve worked on everything from promotional merchandise and flyers to booth materials for conferences. Ultimately, our goal is to create compelling materials that inspire individuals to apply and be a part of the story at Disney.  

My experiences at Pacific did play a role in preparing me for this opportunity. The design program gave me my foundation in design principles and exposed me to a variety of mediums, which helped me become a well-rounded designer. Professors Lee and DeBoer were also instrumental in my growth, as they were the ones who helped shape me as a designer.  

Pacific’s program encouraged me to think critically, stay curious and take ownership of my growth as a designer, qualities that have been invaluable and will continue to shape my career.  

What made you choose Pacific?  

I chose Pacific because it offered the combination of being local and providing a good academic program in graphic design. Commuting from home was important when I transferred from Modesto Junior College. As I explored Pacific’s design program, I was drawn to the classes available and the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in two years, keeping me on track to graduate in four years.  

The beautiful campus and smaller student body also made it feel like a place where I could thrive, especially after coming from a small high school and spending my first two years of college online.  

Why did you choose your major?  

I chose graphic design because I’ve always been interested in the arts and creating. In junior high, I joined the yearbook team for my love of photography, but I stayed until my senior year of high school because I fell in love with design. Creating layouts and selecting typefaces quickly became my favorite part of the process. When I discovered I could turn that passion into a degree and a career, I knew it was the path I wanted to pursue and ran with it.  

Who has inspired you at Pacific?  

There are a handful of people who have impacted me at Pacific, but my friends in the design department have been a huge source of inspiration. Because the design department is a smaller program, I had the chance to work closely with my peers and professors DeBoer and Lee, receiving individual feedback and advice that helped me grow.  

One of my most impactful collaborations was helping to revive and co-lead the American Institute of Graphic Arts Student Group (AIGA), which the department supported, including funding our trip to the 2023 AIGA Design Conference in New York.  

The experiences I had with AIGA helped me feel more connected to the design community and shaped my passion for mentorship. I found myself guiding peers through portfolios, job applications and interviews. I realized how important it is to support new designers in today’s challenging industry.  

My time in the program also helped refine my design philosophy, which is centered on bringing joy to others through my work. That purpose will continue to guide me as I move forward in my career. 

What is your favorite memory about Pacific?  

There are so many treasured memories from my time at Pacific, it’s hard to pick just one! One of my favorites, though, is DeStress Fest and the late-night breakfast. In my final year at Pacific, I went with my friends, and it was such a fun way to unwind after the semester. We enjoyed the activities and staying up late eating breakfast together while reflecting on the fall semester which made for such a memorable time.  

What learning opportunities have you had outside the classroom?  

Before graduating from Pacific, I completed two design internships. At Blackwing, a pencil manufacturing company, I designed internal materials and at BGG Creative & BGG West, a creative agency, I worked on various client projects.  

Additionally, I worked as a graphic designer for ASUOP, where I designed flyers, social media content, stickers and even the postcard and blue Pacific posters now painted in the DeRosa University Center. These experiences gave me hands-on opportunities to apply what I was learning in the classroom in real-world settings.  

Right after graduating, I continued building on those experiences as a design intern at Gallo Winery, where I contributed to high-impact projects for major brands like La Marca, Barefoot and New Amsterdam.  

What advice would you give incoming graphic design students?  

Immerse yourself in the program and design community as much as you can. Take every opportunity to get involved: join AIGA, become a graphic designer for ASUOP, or contribute to Calliope. These experiences will connect you with a creative community and provide valuable insights for internships and job searches.  

Also, push yourself to go the extra mile on your design projects. Doing so will strengthen your portfolio and showcase your creativity. Always stay curious, embrace learning and strive for constant improvement; this tenacity will take you far.  

And most importantly, network. Networking may feel intimidating, but it’s incredibly important. Reach out to Pacific alumni on LinkedIn who studied graphic design or are in industries you’re interested in and learn about their journeys and what helped them succeed.  

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy college life! Spend time with friends, have fun and take breaks to recharge. It’s so important for staying inspired and avoiding burnout. 

Mark Castaneda
Major: Engineering Physics 
Graduation Year: 2025 
Transfer: San Joaquin Delta College 
Hometown: Stockton, California 
Extracurriculars:  Small-Radio-Telescope Group, Tau Beta Pi 

Fourth-year engineering physics student Mark Castaneda once faced barriers he wasn’t sure he would overcome. Today, he is employed at NASA. 

Shooting for the stars 

“My journey to where I am now is a huge part of who I am… I am a first-generation, low-income, nontraditional, formerly homeless, formerly incarcerated student,” Mark said. “I’ve had so many doors shut in my face because of my background, but it only takes one open door; keep going until you get that ‘yes.’” 

The door to the world’s most renowned space agency opened for Mark when he was accepted to the highly selective NASA Pathways program—an internship track to employment at the agency.  

After transferring to Pacific during his sophomore year, Mark applied to NASA internships over 30 times, eventually scoring a lower-level internship in 2022 at NASA Goddard. Once his internship at Goddard was complete, Mark kept applying for opportunities at NASA––this time to the highly selective Pathways Program, which would fulfill his CO-OP requirement for Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. 

Pacific’s Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) is a collaboration between the university and a vast pool of employers designed to ensure students learn on-the-job, real-time skills within their industry of study, all while earning a salary and college credit. Each CO-OP must meet a series of requirements set by the university and provides opportunities for networking, hands-on work, and a head start on career experience. The program also provides career skills support, including resume writing. Staff monitor students’ progress throughout their CO-OP. 

CO-OPs are an invaluable resource for students like Mark, whose career goals demand he sets himself apart from the talent pool.  

Finally, after years of effort, Mark scored an interview for the Pathways Program. One long month later, he received his offer letter. 

“Something that I found really amazing was that the final application I sent—the one that got me the interview—was the first time I had included my background in my cover letter. I think that helped set me apart,” Mark said. “I’m so happy to work at a place that doesn’t deny me because of my past, but instead lifts me up towards a future.” 

Living a physics engineer’s dream 

Mark’s future at NASA is practically guaranteed. Students hired for Pathways work multiple positions and branches while completing their studies, then continue their work full-time upon graduation. 

“The NASA Pathways program is incredible in that I won’t have to reapply or go through any interview process once I decide to work full-time because I am already considered a NASA civil servant (government employee) in all respects,” Mark said.  

Mark currently works at the Johnson Space Center in Houston in the Aerosciences and Flight Mechanics Division where he studies and develops optical navigation. 

“Here, I am developing technology to guide the Orion spacecraft to put humans back on the moon in upcoming missions,” Mark said. “As it turns out, even with all of humanity’s advancements, navigation using stars is still often the most reliable way to pilot a vessel, and that includes spacecraft.” 

Developing professional and life skills through CO-OP 

Mark says his CO-OP experience has challenged him and helped him grow, pushing him to be a better leader, communicator and teammate.  

“In school, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’ll be able to solve most problems by ourselves. But at work, no success happens without a team,” Mark said. “I’ve developed confidence not in the sense that I’m sure of what I’m doing or that I have all the knowledge required, but confidence to be 100% sure that I can gain that knowledge and ultimately figure it out.”.  

Before coming to Pacific, Mark admits, he did not really understand what an engineer did. But since studying at the School of Engineering and Computer Science, then applying his skills on-the-job at NASA, Mark has realized “engineering” is an expansive and exciting field.  

“I guess I thought engineers worked strictly on engines, like an auto mechanic?” Mark said. “But engineering is a lot like physics—it takes all the concepts and principles developed in the realm of physics and uses them to create, design and solve problems. To bring forward tangible, real-world innovation.” 

Mark is grateful to Pacific’s CO-OP team, particularly Director of CO-OP Irene Camy, for supporting him throughout his journey.  

“Irene is a constant source of support. Her positivity is contagious, and she often checks in with me to see how things are going. It’s nice knowing she has my back,” Mark said.  

Reaching even higher 

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Mark plans to remain in Pathways while he pursues his master’s degree and doctorate. After that, he will complete his Pathways track and officially transfer to full-time employment at NASA. 

Naturally, we asked if Mark would ever consider becoming an astronaut: 

“You know, while it’s not my current plan, the more I see here at NASA, the more I ask myself, ‘how could I not?’” he said. “Being accepted to the astronaut program feels insanely out of reach, but then again, so did getting into the Pathways Program. Maybe I one day I can bring along a little stuffed Powercat as a zero-g indicator.” 

Transferring to a new university can be a big adjustment. Whether you’re moving from a community college or another university, or you’re returning to school to finish your degree, you’ll be entering an unfamiliar environment. Making a new friend group and learning your way around campus can be challenging when you’re the new kid on the block.  

Fortunately, you’re not alone. In fact, about 2.1 million undergraduate students transferred between institutions in academic year 2020-21. There are literally millions of students just like you navigating similar changes around the nation, so embrace the journey and check out these tried-and-true strategies for how to make more friends and feel connected. 

Take advantage of your classes 

• Talk to people in your class. Striking up conversations with classmates might feel uncomfortable at first, but making friends requires you to put yourself out there. Simply introducing yourself could be the first step in meeting your next best friend.
• “What if my classes are online?”  
  Don’t worry. The same principle applies to virtual settings. Leaving a comment on a classmate’s discussion post or sending a DM about a homework assignment are low stakes ways to make  connections. 
• Create a study group. Everyone could use a little extra studying. Schedule a time and place for you and your classmates to get together and study. This is a great way to build camaraderie among your peers and make studying more enjoyable for everyone. Your classmates will appreciate that you took the initiative to bring everyone together. 
• Attend tutoring sessions. Tutoring is a fantastic way to meet new people while getting academic support. Tutors are often fellow students who have previously taken the courses they tutor for and can offer valuable insight to help you succeed.  

Get involved on campus 

• Join a club. Most universities have events at the beginning of each semester showcasing the different clubs and organizations on campus. Use these as opportunities to seek out clubs that pique your interest and attend a few meetings. This is a great way to meet people with shared interests and explore new hobbies.  
• Take leadership in student government. The job of the associated student body is to advocate for all students—including transfer students. So why not take an active role in driving discussions that shape the collective student experience? Transfer students contribute a wealth of knowledge and life experience that can aid in creating a more inclusive and enriching student experience for everyone. 
• Go Greek. Joining a sorority or fraternity offers a unique opportunity to cultivate lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills and engage in meaningful acts of service. Most universities have several Greek organizations with social, multicultural or professional focuses. Greek life can dramatically enrich your college experience by creating a community where you bond over shared interests and values. 
• Play on an intramural sports team. No matter how athletic you are, getting involved in recreational sports is a great way to meet students from different majors and class years. Between all the hours spent practicing and playing, you are sure to form friendships with your teammates. 
• Attend events. Like most universities, Pacific always has a robust calendar of events happening on and off campus. Immersing yourself in these events will enhance your social circle and familiarize you with college traditions and culture.  Participating in events also strengthens bonds with fellow students and alumni that can continue long after college. 

Go off-campus

• Volunteer. Get involved by volunteering on campus or in the local community. Universities are always looking for volunteers to help with events or service projects. Volunteering is also a great way to make new connections and add valuable experience to your resume. By helping others, you also help yourself. 
• Take a trip. Through campus recreation services, students have the chance to go on extended weekend trips that include camping, hiking, visiting amusement parks and more. Spending time outdoors in groups creates shared memories and helps break down social barriers.

For the fullest experience, live on campus 

Living on campus is the best way to become fully immersed in college life. Residence halls are designed to promote personal growth and belonging through shared amenities, social lounges planned activities and more.  

Introduce yourself to your neighbor and ask what their major is, where they are from, what they like to do on campus – or where the best taco spot is. These are great questions to ask new friends and help you get acquainted with the people living on your floor.  

 
At Pacific, students who share similar interests or backgrounds can live together in Living Learning Communities. There’s even a Transitions Living Learning Community designed for transfer students, military and veteran students, and students who are starting school during the spring term. 

Remember, no matter how long they’ve been on campus, nearly everyone is looking for friendship. So be kind to yourself and trust the process. Transitioning to a new college can present a lot of challenges, but making new friends doesn’t need to be one of them. 

Take the next step and learn more about student life at Pacific. 

(Editorial note: The Media X degree changed its name to media arts and production in November 2024)

Media X graduate Taylor Wick ’23 began her graphic design career on a sheet of paper drawing her favorite cartoon characters. She kept this creative work going through high school and community college. After spending some time there, it became clear that it was time to expand her knowledge of art and graphic design.  

“I came here knowing a little bit about graphic design, but at UOP, I got to expand on that knowledge and take more advanced graphic design courses, which really helped my skills,” Taylor said.  

After transferring to University of the Pacific from San Joaquin Delta College, Taylor enrolled in the Media X program where she was able to take advanced courses in graphic design and broaden her understanding of the medium.  

In 2022 Taylor applied for an internship at the Herrick Steel company in Stockton where she was quickly accepted. She worked hard to convince managers that the company needed a graphic designer. When she graduated, she was promptly offered the newly created position of digital artist at Herrick Steel.  

“In a field that isn’t used to having a graphic designer, I feel completely respected,” Taylor said.  

At Herrick Steel, Taylor works on everything from bid designs for clients to holiday greeting cards. Most recently she designed 30 pages for a bid on a hospital project. Her team submitted the bid and got the job.  

Taylor found inspiration for her color pallets by watching the welders work in the steel yard. She adapted the glowing sparks from the welding to her own art style. Taylor credits her professors and Pacific’s Media X program for her adaptability as an artist.  

“The most important aspect of Media X was learning how to fail, it’s OK to make mistakes, and you’re going to make mistake,” she said.  

Media X’s approach to hands-on learning allows students to experiment in their respective artistic fields. Taylor said that while professors are always there to help you improve, your education and what you do with it is up to you. Taylor graduated on the Collge of the Pacific’s Dean’s Honor Roll and, after working hard on her 3D character creation for her senior capstone, was awarded Media X Student of the Year for 2023. She advises any student to think outside the box when applying to jobs in their field and consider unlikely places that may not have someone with your skills. 

Makenna Brown is in a dual-degree program at Pacific where she is working on her Bachelor of Science and master’s degrees in civil engineering. She is getting hands-on experience in her field by working on a water tunnel project in Seattle, Washington. 

What a normal day looks like for me during my internship 

A normal day begins with a meeting of what tasks need to be completed, any safety concerns, and stretches. Then, I go to the office and do some admin tasks such as quantity takeoffs which are calculating how much material is needed on a site. Later, I head out to the field for a few hours where I oversee the work and do quality control. In the afternoon, I finish up tasks like writing the daily report of the progress of work on the site. 

What types of projects or assignments have I been able to work on with Lane Construction 

Lane Construction works on many projects around the country from highways to tunnels. I am working on the water quality project in Seattle where they’re building a storage tunnel for storm and sewer water since it rains most of the year here. Within this project, I have been mainly working on the micro tunnel that’ll be connecting to the main tunnel. I assist the field engineer and superintendent with calculations, writing reports, and purchase orders. Out in the field, I do quality control and learn by watching the subcontractors and laborers work. It’s exciting seeing contract drawings come to life! 

How University of the Pacific prepared me for this experience 

I think the courses have helped a lot, having prior knowledge allowed me to apply and extend what I know in the real world. Such as working with CAD drawings and understanding why certain materials are used. 

Why I came to University of the Pacific 

What drew me to Pacific was the blended program! Getting my master’s degree has always been a goal of mine growing up and after spending three years at San Joaquin Delta College, I didn’t think when I transferred to a university, I would still have the opportunity to obtain my master’s. I liked the fact that the classes were small and Dr. Saviz, Dr. Lee and Dr. Steimel have been a huge support with my transition to the school this last year. 

My favorite part of interning with Lane Construction 

My favorite part has been talking to different people, from the bosses to subcontractors. I think learning and understanding what they do has helped me comprehend what all goes into projects. 

My advice on making the most of an internship 

Ask as many questions as you can. You’re there to learn and everyone there knows that. They’re not expecting you to know everything.  

When I first got here, I was lost, they were just talking and throwing terms at me. Over time those terms became second nature to me because I would ask related questions and get a visualization on the site.  

Another thing, be as hands-on as possible and take on any challenges. It’s better to learn and progress and mess up now than later. I would ask for more tasks when I started to get my daily ones done quicker. I would also ask to be at different sites so I could extend my understanding of the project. 

Monica Castillo ’21 is an electrical engineering major who lives in Stockton. She transferred to Pacific from a local community college as a math major but decided to change her degree because she thought it would help her have a bigger impact on people’s lives. As a student in the SOECS Cooperative Education program, she interned with the medical device company, Abbott Laboratories, where she got to work on an update to a heart pump for a client in Korea. 

What is your favorite thing to do on campus?  

Just walking around the campus, and also going to soccer games. 

Is there a faculty or staff member at Pacific with whom you’ll stay in touch after you graduate? 

Dr. Elizabeth Basha, I had digital design class with her, and she was also my adviser. 

What is the latest you’ve stayed up to study for a test? 

4 a.m. 

If you have a best friend at Pacific, what’s their major? 

Electrical engineering 

What is your favorite class? 

My favorites are power electronics and automatic control systems.  

What were your hardest classes? 

Advanced circuits and data structures. 

What’s your favorite food on campus? 

Chicken sandwich at the Lair. 

What is your favorite place to study on campus? 

MESA Lounge on the 3rd floor of Khoury Hall. 

What is your favorite thing to do off-campus? 

I just like having fun, so it can be hiking or playing soccer to even traveling. 

What’s one thing about Pacific that you would never want to change?

The diversity and the number of activities they have for everyone. You don’t have to be in clubs to join their activities. It’s pretty cool how open people are here.