Ask UCLAri: Political Science, International Relations, East Asian Studies, & EAP

UCLAri · 01-14-2007, 03:56 AM

I decided that I'd bump up my old "ask UCLAri" thread, but it went kaput. Oh well. So here's the new one, and it even includes a new area of study!

For those of you who don't know me yet (though I'm pretty loud around here), I'm a graduate student at UCSD in international relations. However, I am not really much of a Triton.

I'm a Bruin, through and through.

I majored in political science and minored in Japanese. I studied abroad for half a year and in Washington, DC for a quarter through CAPPP.

I'm pretty knowledgeable about this stuff, and I love to help out fellow Bruins, so ask away. I'll be stickying this for a longer time this time.

nikkei325i · 01-14-2007, 04:13 AM

I'm kind of worried about studying IR now. I "thought" I was interested in the subject, but I now feel psychology to be more appealing to me. So, why did I choose to major in IR in the first place? Well, I've always had an interest in other countries (their culture, language, government, etc.). I want to know why you chose to study IR in undergrad and, now, are pursuing a higher degree?

UCLAri · 01-14-2007, 04:28 AM

nikkei325i,

I actually studied comparative politics at the undergrad level, as many of the IR classes I had an interest in were either never offered or too early in the morning (lame, I know.)

I am doing an IR degree now because I see it as a good stepping block to what I want at minimal cost. IR/PS isn't costing me much, and I wouldn't have been doing much else with the time anyway (referring to opportunity costs.) I also see the chance to get some good quantitative skills, develop my resume for jobs like State, FBI, CIA, DIA, and NSA, and improve my understanding of the East Asian region and more.

k_reck · 01-15-2007, 09:45 PM

hmm... you're developing your resume for intelligence agencies?

(i find that interesting b/c i'm interested in intelligence as well...)

anyway, might i ask how you're building that resume up? and was UCLA a good place to get started?

on another note, did you experience the "getting lost in the crowd/just another fish in the huge sea of undergrads" that i've heard other state school grads complain about?

and just to continue the interrogation status of this post, what did you love about UCLA?

meeeeerrrrcii

UCLAri · 01-15-2007, 09:51 PM

Quote:

anyway, might i ask how you're building that resume up? and was UCLA a good place to get started?

UCLA was a great place to get started. Not only is the poli sci dept. superb, you can do the CAPPP program and study in DC at a federal agency. You also have excellent language departments to further bolster your resume.

Oh, and the CIA actively recruits at UCLA.

Quote:

on another note, did you experience the "getting lost in the crowd/just another fish in the huge sea of undergrads" that i've heard other state school grads complain about?

I'm very proactive and willing to "push through the crowds" so to speak, so no, I didn't. I can see how someone less assertive than me might have though.

Quote:

and just to continue the interrogation status of this post, what did you love about UCLA?

The resources combined with a superb faculty, campus, and dynamic student body, all wrapped up in tons of school pride (thanks to top sports teams.) Oh, and the weather. I loved the weather.

cali7802000 · 01-15-2007, 09:52 PM

I have heard that Berkeley has a great program for undergraduate political science. Does UCLA have strong professors and connections for students wanting to study political science??

UCLAri · 01-15-2007, 09:55 PM

Absolutely. UCLA's department is not quite at Berkeley's level in most things, but I know at least a few people from UCLA who went on to top poli sci departments from UCLA (think Stanford and Harvard and Berkeley).

Believe me, there are some great names at UCLA.

bfired2 · 01-16-2007, 02:08 PM

UCLAri, maybe you can help me out with a question. I wasn't able to enroll in Poli Sci M114D w/ Wolfenstein, so I contacted him before the quarter began and he advised me to enroll in Afro-Am Studies M114D instead. It's the same class, just a different heading. Do I still get credit for an upper div poli sci class?

UCLAri · 01-16-2007, 02:46 PM

You should just be able to petition it to count. It might take a few forms, but as long as the syllabus is the same, it'll be fine.

mexbruin · 01-16-2007, 11:43 PM

UCLAri you rock! thats all.

nikkei325i · 01-17-2007, 01:01 AM

mexbruin, where have you been?

bfired2 · 01-18-2007, 03:25 PM

UCLAri, I'm going in for an interview soon for the Student Director position at UC-DC this summer...do you have any info/comments/suggestions? The summer only program is just an internship, but we live in the UC-DC Center, and this Student Director position provides a stipend, which is much needed. Thanks!

UCLAri · 01-18-2007, 03:41 PM

bfired2,

If the interview is with Desveaux, don't be intimidated. He comes off a bit strong, but is an altogether nice guy.

The student director I remember was active with the students, and showed a lot of energy and assertiveness. I think they're looking for someone to match the "DC experience." It may or may not come up, but try to get up-to-date on current DC news.

The general rule for interviews is a dark suit at the first interview (black, pinstripes if you're adventurous). Wear relatively muted colors (white shirt and blue tie are always a good combo...no pink or bright bright red...NO GREEN.)

Enjoy yourself! UCDC is awesome!

wildgrass · 01-23-2007, 09:38 PM

Is it possible to take 2 languages at the same time? I'm deciding on Chinese, which I know but Cantonese somewhat, and Arabic. ya or nay?

UCLAri · 01-23-2007, 10:05 PM

Yes, it is possible. But it's a lot of work.