This spring, fourth-years reflect on their time at UC Davis and share their post-graduate plans
By JALAN TEHRANIFAR — features@theaggie.org
William Jacobs came to UC Davis from Carlsbad, California, unsure of where he would end up. Four years later, the civil engineering major is graduating with a sharpened focus, a strengthened work ethic and a few extra stamps in his passport.
Jacobs said his favorite college memories were made during his summer abroad in the Netherlands. He participated in the UC Davis Sustainable Urban Systems program in 2024 with Professor Kari Watkins.
“I really liked exploring the cities with the friends I made on the trip,” Jacobs said.
Studying abroad wasn’t the only experience that shaped him. Over the past year, Jacobs said he’s seen significant personal growth — especially with time management and discipline.
“When I started school, I was pretty relaxed in the way I studied and organized my time,” Jacobs said. “But this year I’ve spent more time seeking additional degrees, participating in clubs, working and searching for jobs after I graduate.”
Jacobs picked up two minors during his time at Davis: construction management engineering and sustainability in the built environment, as well as joined the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), a club that gave him hands-on experience in the field. He said ITE helped him attend technical events at other universities, build industry connections and explore real-world applications of civil engineering.
“I was able to attend events at [UC] Berkeley and UC [Los Angeles] and learn real technical skills that will help me later on in my career,” Jacobs said. “ITE also connected me with a lot of job opportunities.”
After graduation, Jacobs plans to spend a month traveling through Japan, Vietnam and Thailand. The trip will be a break from the rigorous schedule he’s maintained over the past year — a chance to recharge before diving into post-graduate life.
“I’m really excited to take some time off school and work,” Jacobs said.
The trip marks a pause, but not a slowdown. After his travels, Jacobs plans to return to Davis while he searches for jobs, hoping to eventually settle in the Bay Area. He said he’s ready for what’s next, but leaving UC Davis won’t be easy.
“College is the last place I’ll be where I’m surrounded by people my age,” Jacobs said. “I’m also going to miss the campus and downtown — I love how walkable everything is and using all the resources on campus.”
Jacobs said his favorite parts of Davis include Ali Baba, the Coffee House sandwiches, the Davis Farmers Market, UC Davis football games, Taqueria El Burrito and Bizarro World. But more than anything, he appreciated getting to know the city over time.
For current and future Aggies, Jacobs offered some advice on navigating the quarter system and finding balance.
“It’s important to stay on top of things, because the quarter system can sneak up on you,” Jacobs said. “It can be easy to fall behind when you’ve missed four weeks of lecture. But at the same time, make sure that school isn’t your whole life. Have fun while you’re in college because it goes by really fast.”
Written by: Jalan Tehranifar — features@theaggie.org
