Professional Development Services

The Nest is constantly promoting, facilitating, and collaborating many professional development workshops, panels, and activities throughout the quarter. Come by the Nest to view our calendar for upcoming events and/or to talk to one of our advisors for further professional guidance.

Director of Strategic NA Retention Initiative 

Michelle Villegas-Frazier

The Director for The Native Nest, Michelle Villegas-Frazier, supports students in many capacities, including professionally. Through her experiences and connections the Director provides students with the appropriate professional advice to establish or advance their professionalism. You can schedule time to meet with her or send her an email

Internship and Career Center (ICC) Advising

At The Native Nest, NAASSC students can meet with ICC specialist, Devon Seward Howland to enhance their knowledge and receive the necessary encouragement and support to discuss topics relating to career, internship, and employment options. You can schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with Devon Seward Howland at dsewardhowland@ucdavis.edu to connect. 

Part of his role is to let you know about upcoming career events that might be of interest.  We have several career fairs coming up - a great place to connect with employers to see what they are all about. 

For Spring Quarter, the ICC is providing in-person and virtual services. You can find a job, internship or career position! Check their website for regular updates.  Here are some quick links to their services:

  • Need a part-time or temporary job right now?  Check our “Quick hire” list.  These are local/regional opportunities in which hiring is taking place quickly to provide essential services (biotech, logistics, health care services, child care, etc.) during the national health crisis. We are updating as we hear of more opportunities.
  • Schedule phone and video advising appointments via HandshakeWe are now offering late afternoon and evening appointments.
  • Interviewing can be stressful already – and now interviews are being conducted in an on-line format. Yikes!  Here’s a short video our team created this week to help you “Ace the On-line Interview!  You got this!
  • ICC Workshops will be offered throughout the year.  
  • Companies are still recruiting! Search jobs and internships via Handshake.
  • Stay up-to-date by visiting our website.  We are adding content and resources regularly to meet student’s needs. 

Reach out anytime to our ICC specialist Devon Seward Howland at dsewardhowland@ucdavis.edu and he will set up an appointment with you. 

The UC Davis Internship and Career Center conducted informational interviews with alumni. Hear from our Class of 2019 alumnus, Jacob Wilson (Laguna Pueblo):

Graduate Student Advising

NAS Graduate students provide insight of what to expect in an NAS graduate program. Including the ins and out of the application process, allowing students to gain clarity for a deeper understanding within NAS Master and PHD programs. You can schedule time to meet with Director, Michelle Villegas-Frazier or send her an email