About Andrew Ceperley

My role at UC San Diego

As director of the Career Services Center, I lead an outstanding team that serves the career development needs of students and alumni.

My career path

Every person's professional journey is unique, and mine is no exception. I was a lifeguard in high school, a bus driver in college, and a visitor services specialist at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in graduate school. I worked for three summers as a gift shop manager at Universal Studios in Los Angeles and enjoyed a brief career as a manager and assistant buyer at Hecht's Department Stores in Washington, DC. Since I found my stride in higher education. I've had the privilege of serving four exceptional campus communities: the University of Virginia, the University of Texas at Austin, Santa Clara University, and now UC San Diego.

The rewards in doing what I do

As an undergraduate at Virginia Tech many years ago, I made full use of my career center. I remember thinking at the time how helpful the career staff was when I was so uncertain about my future. Now, years later, I fully appreciate how rewarding it is to have an impact on students as they consider leaving the security and predictability of campus for the vast opportunities that lie ahead.

My words of wisdom to students

Plan. Set professional goals. Make your future happen. But be open to the inevitable happenstance along the way.

In my free time...

I putter at home, tending to focus on interior and landscape design. My partner and I take weekend trips, entertain with friends, sing in a chorus, explore the wonderful restaurant scene in San Diego, and take in as much theater and music as we can.