The LBCC Communications Department invited special guest speakers from UCLA and a communications professor from California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), for the annual ‘Career and Transfer’ event on Tuesday Mar. 4, offering students information about transferring to universities.
A special invite was granted to communications professor Brant Burkey alongside UCLA and LBCC alum, Nate Hoffman who partnered up with LBCC’s communications department, answering typical questions students may have about how to navigate with a degree in communication studies.
UCLA currently offers the Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP) program that helps community college students academically prepare for transferring to four year universities.
“The transfer prep program that we have helps students apply for the UC system and the comm studies event is to inform them of what they want to do with their career,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman is a public speaking tutor at LBCC and also previously took communications classes here at LBCC.
“One thing that resonated with me was Nate was my student and he’s back here helping students trying to transfer, giving back to the school,” said communications professor Laura Mayuga.
The two guests spoke upon what struggles they faced in their college as well as their careers, giving students an idea on what type of struggles may arise when faced with similar situations.
One of the questions that arose was from communications student Tonia Davis who was curious about how she should approach her college path.
“How do you double major and how to escape from being stuck on something you don’t want to do?” Davis asked.
“You don’t have to limit yourself to ‘I have to choose’ and you don’t have to do just one thing. You can do multiple things, figure out what you want to do, the sky’s the limit,” Burkey said.
LBCC communications department administrative assistant, Betty Mendoza, applauding for the guest speakers at the LBCC ‘Career and Transfer’ event on Tuesday Mar. 4, 2025 at the Liberal Arts campus. The ‘Career and Transfer’ event is held annually to inform students who plan on transferring to a four year university. (Tenoa J. Stewart)
Many professor’s also attended the event showing support for students and staff, such as communication professor Melinda Manlowe.
“It’s a chance for students to connect to different schools, see what they have to offer and learn how to get more of an advanced degree. It’s really helpful to hear about the possibilities that are out there,” Manlowe said.
LBCC hosts events similar to this one for students to connect with their professors and discuss career topics related to what they may be majoring in.