By: Ngai Yeung ‘23

An odd and extensive game of corporate speed dating, USC’s semesterly career fairs have always been one of the biggest events on campus. But as all events were moved online this spring, the school continued to host a virtual career fair as well as a smaller, separate one for the Asia Pacific region on April 23rd PDT, the latter of which I attended; here are my takeaways from this novel experience.

By: Talia Walters ‘20

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been asked what I plan on doing after graduation almost nonstop since the beginning of my senior year. My answer is always the same – a scoff that’s the mixture between exasperation, terror, and immediate anxiety – which usually prompts a sympathetic laugh in response. We all focus so hard on getting into grad school or making sure we apply to all the right jobs, that no one really stops to realize we don’t have to do those things. No one is forcing us to go to Med School or Law School, and no one is making us get a big person job. If it doesn’t seem right for you to send in application after application, sealing your fate until you retire, then don’t. Nothing bad is going to happen to you. Of course, you still need an answer to that dreaded question. What would you do after graduation if you weren’t doing more school or going straight into the workforce? Well, friend, do I have a list for you! Below, I’ve compiled a few different routes for post-grad life that aren’t just going to grad school or getting a “real” job. They’re all entirely unique options, and maybe you’ll find the one that’s right for you!

By: Alexis M Peters ‘20

Before this week, I had never been to a career fair, I had never visited the career center, and I wasn’t doing internships that were even remotely related to my major or career interests. Oh. And I’m a first-semester junior. Watching my friends look for internships and jobs to boost their resume made me happy for them, but also a little scared for myself. Was I behind? Did I need to be networking my butt off in the way all my friends were?

By: Joy Ofodu ‘18

If you thought that internship postings wouldn’t spring up until Spring, you’re in for a surprise: companies across the U.S. have already launched their search for Summer interns! As Trojans, we pride ourselves on having access to an unbelievable network (occasionally nicknamed the Trojan Mafia) of professionals & resources. Whether you’re a Trojan looking for a head start, or a prospective student doing your due diligence in research, here are a few of the best and least-known sources for internships!

By: Jamie Wu ‘18

1. Follow up with the recruiters you talked to.

During the career fair, hundreds of students line up to talk to recruiters and hand over their resumes. During the 5 minutes of interaction that you have with the recruiter, it’s most likely that he or she will not remember your face and resume. It’s nothing against you but due to the sheer number of applicants, it’s hard for them to remember everyone. That is why it is just as important to follow up with an email that includes: one interesting thing you talked about with the recruiter and a thank you note to them for taking the time to come to the career fair. You want to send the email on the day of the career fair or the next day at the latest. When you do this, you set yourself apart from the other applicants who don’t send an email at all. And trust me, after being on the employer side of recruiting, this act really will make a difference.

By: Emily Young MA ‘16

Startups can be a great opportunity to wear a lot of different hats and learn different roles in a company. Whether applying for an internship or a full-time job here are some important questions to consider.

By: Judy Lee ‘17

1. How does this fit my career path?

By: Judy Lee ‘17

Last semester, I had a realization: we are in a very rare situation in which we are in the midst of people who will shape the future of this world. Seems dramatic, right? Not so far-fetched, though. Our professors have already had huge parts in shaping entire industries . Is it really a surprise that we’ll join them in the ranks soon enough?