With the 2028 Olympic Games just around the corner — both figuratively and literally — it’s never been a better time to be a USC student. The big question on everyone’s minds: how can USC students take part in the process?
From official employment with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28) to contributing to the city of L.A.as a whole, these opportunities are available to students of all years. As 2028 nears, more opportunities are bound to pop up, so keep an eye out!
The LA28 website includes current open jobs in fields ranging from technology to legal affairs to broadcast. The website is continuously updated and includes full-time positions and internships for students across all degree paths.
For Kelly Steele, a 2023 USC alum and newly hired senior associate of safety and security at LA28, the path to working for the Olympics was largely inspired by her time at USC. She said her degrees in psychology and international relations, as well as her previous position as general manager of the Trojan Marching Band, led her to where she is today.
“When I found this role, I immediately recognized how closely it aligned with my experience in event coordination and cross-functional collaboration,” Steele said. “I’ve learned that stepping forward and advocating for yourself can make all the difference, especially in competitive, high-impact industries like global sport.”
LA28 also offers summer internships, allowing a number of students to remain in L.A. over the summer. New roles are posted regularly on the LA28 website, and students are encouraged to monitor the page for new listings.
LA28 has offered community volunteer opportunities for anyone aged 18 and older since fall 2025. Gametime volunteering applications will open in summer 2026, with no experience required, according to the official website. Applications to be part of the 2028 volunteer crew are available, and the program will reach out to applicants as opportunities arise.
Apart from these official pursuits, students can volunteer their time and efforts indirectly. By supporting small L.A. businesses, volunteering on beautification projects or participating in sustainability initiatives, students can indirectly contribute to LA28 and L.A. as a whole.
Supporting small businesses nurtures the L.A. community and opens doors to growth opportunities. One small business frequently stationed near USC’s Trousdale entrance, DripDaddy, encourages students to keep visiting the iconic food truck.
Alex Amari, owner and founder of DripDaddy, said he is happy to be a part of the L.A. and USC community.
“The continued support, coming to the truck, hanging out outside and creating that community environment, that’s enough for us,” Amari said. “It’s hard to see how I’ll capitalize on something like the Olympics. I think if it’s just busier in general, that’ll be great for me. That’ll be a good problem to have.”
On their own, students can contribute to the digital conversation surrounding the Olympics. Popular ways people have made a name for themselves include creating content on social media platforms and hosting or speaking on podcasts.
Local newspapers and newsrooms are open to freelance pitching in a variety of media. By contributing stories, students can not only get their foot in the door but also promote the local area. The Olympics don’t just need to be something to watch — students can help build momentum too.
Opportunities are available through community support efforts, official LA28-sponsored outlets and individual means of creation.
Beyond helping prepare for the games, the USC community will also have a front-row seat to them. Both the L.A. Memorial Coliseum and Galen Center will host games, with various parts of campus also being used for the Olympic Media Village.
“The Trojan network is incredibly powerful — but it only works if you engage with it,” Steele said. “The Olympics and Paralympics are big. Global events are big. But they’re powered by individuals who once decided to take a chance on themselves. Keep showing up — your opportunity will come.”