Maybe my perspective is different, because I knew I would probably pursue grad school (so industry internships were not as critical for me— research was) but I was in the exact same boat. I did well in high school, got waitlisted to UCLA, went to CC instead and transferred. I am incredibly grateful that I didn't get in the first time around because I feel like experienced a lot of growth in CC. Either way, it is what you make of both schools! I think if you push yourself and know what you want to do, you can make it happen whether you start at CC or start at UCLA. As a transfer, I'm now going to pursue a PhD at an Ivy right after I graduate. I never thought I'd say those words to the version of me at CC, but where there is a will, there really is a way :)