USC’s Career Center offers a plethora of professional development resources for students to discover their interests and connect with alumni. From resume preparation to negotiation techniques, the counselors advise on how to capitalize on professional opportunities.
Here’s how to use the Career Center to your advantage:
Exploring Industries
The Career Center’s generalist approach allows students to inquire about a variety of industries, even if their career interests do not relate to their major.
With information on diverse industries, students can find related programs and scholarships, jobs and internships and industry guides to uncover their field of interest.
“Depending on their industry interest, students can see who are the mentors that can give advice and insights into that career and help them navigate this process,” said Lauren Opgenorth, associate director of internship engagement.
Through the USC Trojan Network, students can connect with alumni, find a mentor and potentially work on short-term projects posted by alumni.
Career Development Resources
Securing an internship or job often requires providing a resume and cover letter with key achievements. The center offers workshops that teach students how to structure their resumes and cover letters as well as prepare for interviews.
With the Career Center’s networking strategy, students can learn how to make and leverage connections with their professors and alumni.
Internship/Job Recruiting
Recruiting timelines vary depending on the industry. While some employers secure job and internship positions a year in advance, others post their openings a couple of months before.
Resources on where to find internship or job opportunities include ConnectSC, career fairs, Trojan Talks, On-campus recruiting events and online platforms such as Handshake and LinkedIn.
On ConnectSC, students can find information on jobs, internships, professional development workshops and upcoming career-related events. The platform generates personalized recommendations after students fill out their accounts.
Opgenorth encourages students to be proactive and research many companies within the industry.
“Research is so critical during the internship process so that students understand what it is they hope to get out of their internship,” Opgenorth said. “It’s not just about picking the one with the most known name.”
Upcoming Events
There will be many opportunities in April to meet professionals in person and prepare to lead with confidence.
On April 14, the Graduates & Students Career Fair will feature a variety of organizations including government agencies, Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits.
Regarding professional development, the Career Center will host a workshop to help students learn how to use their LinkedIn and a Financial Literacy Conference which covers saving, investing, student loans and more.