CURRENT TRANSFER STUDENTS
Your journey as a transfer student is something that should be celebrated. The skills, experiences, and perspectives you bring with you are part of what make you unique, both personally and professionally. Our mission is to provide you with the tools and resources you need to achieve your career goals and aspirations at LSA and beyond.
We understand the immense opportunities, but also the challenges, that come with being a transfer student. Between transitioning to the College of LSA, integrating into the vast U-M community, and planning your future, a day in the life of a transfer student can be overwhelming at times. But, that’s why the LSA Opportunity Hub is here: to help LSA undergraduate transfer students explore career possibilities.
Click the + signs below to see the many different ways to engage with professional development at the Hub.
Meet with a career coach
Connect with other transfer students
Connect with LSA alums and employers
Explore internship opportunities & get funding support
Take the Hub’s Applied Liberal Arts courses
Access online skill-building and career-learning resources
PROSPECTIVE TRANSFER STUDENTS
The Hub is here to be a helpful guide as you explore careers in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, encourage you to seek outside-of-the-classroom learning experiences, and offer support as you shape your professional identity.
Get Transfer Application Help
Need help with your transfer application? If you’re a current student with the Transfer Bridges program at Grand Rapids Community College, Henry Ford College, or Schoolcraft College, you can set up a 1:1 appointment with Hub Coach and Transfer Student Advocate Kim Truong, who is available to assist you in communicating your academic and career goals on the U-M Ann Arbor transfer student application essays.
- Sign up for a 30-45 minute Zoom appointment with Kim on this Calendly page. During this meeting, you’ll work together to brainstorm, develop, and submit your application.
- Please email Kim (kmtruong@umich.edu) for help with scheduling or questions.
- Note: Only current students at Grand Rapids Community College, Henry Ford College, and Schoolcraft College are eligible to schedule these prospective transfer appointments under the Transfer Bridges program.
If you’re looking for general support on transitioning to LSA, please reach out to the LSA Student Transfer Center by emailing LSATransferAmbassadors@umich.edu.
Explore Online Canvas Modules
Create a list of your top universities, craft your personal statement, and explore career options available to Liberal Arts Degree holders—access this learning through the Hub's online Canvas modules. Engage with videos, digital worksheets, and discussion boards to explore what you want from your transfer experience, build relationships with others in the transfer process, and receive feedback and support from a career coach.
Fill out this 3-question form to access these modules.
Transfer Bridges Run Down Videos
Watch these 2-4 minute videos for an introduction to the following topics:
What transfer students have to say
Don’t take it from us. Hear directly from current and past transfer students on the kind of professional development opportunities they’ve benefited from personally and as incoming transfer students, get actionable advice on how to make the most of your experience.
Aakash Ray
Senior, Winter ‘21
B.S. Biopsychology, Cognition, & Neuroscience and minor in History of Law & Policy
Transferred from Michigan State University
“My engagement with the Liberal Arts has led me to take challenging courses, find friends with similar interests, and has ultimately gotten me involved in a lot of different organizations. One thing I think transfer students should know about professional development is the U-M alum network. It’s one of the largest in the world and can be accessed via the Hub’s LSA Connect platform so you can meet and connect with LSA alums anywhere in the world. I also recommend other Hub services such as Alum Connections, ALA 325, the Student Advisory team, and one-on-one sessions with Hub coaches.”
Emmanuel Orozco Castellanos
Junior, Winter ‘23
B.A. International Studies with minors in Translation Studies and Latin American & Caribbean Studies
Transferred from Henry Ford College
“Never underestimate the skills that a community college can provide you with. Transferring helped me become more goal-oriented, independent, and proactive. These skills prepared me for a demanding academic environment like the one at U-M. Also, don't forget that your time as an undergrad is all about learning, both in and outside the classroom. I remember being afraid to do research because I lacked experience but I just needed to be open to learning. The truth is that no one expects you to be an expert. If you limit your expectations about what you "should" be able to do, you'll feel like you have room for mistakes—and thus, you’ll learn.”
Stephany Mendez Ortega
Senior, Winter ‘22
B.S. Neuroscience, B.A. - Communication & Media with a minor in Latina/o Studies
Transferred from Grand Rapids Community College
“My advice to incoming transfer students is to be open-minded about asking for help on what professional development is and how to engage in opportunities. Prior to transferring to U-M, I had no idea that students could engage in career exploration, so I would really encourage incoming transfer students to talk to academic advisors or visit the Hub for resources and ideas on how to get started.”
Cindy Lin
Alum, Winter ‘20
B.A. Political Science and minor in Asian Studies
Transferred from State University of New York at Binghamton
“The biggest and most important piece of advice I can give is to seek out help whenever necessary! I highly recommend booking a one-on-one coaching session with a Hub coach because you develop such a lovely relationship with your coaches since they grow to know you, get familiar with your chosen career path, and try to support your interests. I was really grateful to have so much support as everyone at the Hub are the kindest people, who truly do want to see you succeed. There are so many amazing resources on campus and beyond: large events like the Internship Forum and Social Impact Fair, and smaller, skill-oriented workshops for topics like building your resumé, LinkedIn profile, or networking ability.
There are tons of people whose full-time jobs are to help you and the best part is— they want to! Ask questions whenever possible, conduct informational interviews to get to know folks in your fields of interest, reach out to friends, coaches, and professors for help because people genuinely want to help you and watch you succeed—don't forget that!”
Seth Renn
Alum, Fall ‘20
B.A. Political Science
Transferred from Michigan State University
“No single formula for professional development exists. Everyone charts their own course, and it's up to us to make our own unique experiences based on whatever it is that makes us want more for ourselves. No one knows this more than students who decide to transfer to new universities to achieve their goals. My own professional development was different from the mainstream in that I relied heavily on finding part-time work, taking Hub ALA courses, and using independent study courses to participate in research opportunities. One thing I wish I knew about professional development before going to university is that it does not take place in isolation. I don't think anyone can get far by trying to make it alone. Some of my most valuable experiences happened when I collaborated with and listened to my peers, professors, and others.”
