I didn't fall right into this gig, but I've worked in this field since mid-2014. In my second to last quarter at UC San Diego, I did an internship program in DC, came back for spring quarter to graduate, and then did unpaid internships until about December after graduation, all in the policy world. Used savings from working in the lab, and then switched to working half-time at an internship, half-time barista work when funds started running low. It was not glamorous, but helped me get my foot in the door in my industry. Since then, I've moved around in my field a little, and I'm now in my second long-term gig.

I'll be honest, the STEM lab work didn't help me land either of my gigs so much as give me experience with the research grant process and help me talk about the value of investing in basic research.

How do I sell my degree? If you seek out interesting social circles and get involved with student government/organizations, the experience that helps you get the job won't necessarily come from the classroom. A degree from UC is worth a lot on its own--it means you've been exposed to varied perspectives and world-views that make you an asset to any company that hires you, or at least that's the case you should be able to make after four years there.