David Allen Parker Jr.

David Parker is an esteemed author, career development expert, and executive director of career development and alumni relations at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management—University of California, Santa Barbara. With over 30 years of experience in human resources and career development, David has earned recognition for his groundbreaking work in job search strategies. His acclaimed book, "Slam Dunk Job Search," has soared to success, achieving the prestigious Amazon Best Sellers list in five categories, including a remarkable #1 in Job Hunting and Job Interviewing. The book has also secured the coveted #1 New Release tag for both its print and ebook versions during its initial release. David's expertise stems from his diverse background, including roles as a career director, employment supervisor, corporate trainer, career coach, college recruiter, and organizational development consultant. He draws from his extensive experience, including recruitment at a Fortune 50 company, to provide invaluable insights and tactics for job seekers across various industries and job markets. Having established the Career Development Program at UC Santa Barbara over 25 years ago, David has played a pivotal role in shaping it into one of the leading university placement programs in environmental science and management. His dedication to helping others navigate the job market has empowered thousands of individuals to secure rewarding positions worldwide. David holds a BA in Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara, an MBA from California State University, Long Beach, and an MS in Counseling and Guidance from California Lutheran University. He resides in Southern California with his wife, two children, and faithful canine companion, Milo. Through his expertise, David continues to inspire and guide individuals towards fulfilling career opportunities.