USC offers many resources when it comes to finding a summer internship or to have a job lined up after graduation. Between the Viterbi Career Center, Viterbi Career Fair, and company partnerships, there are tons of opportunities to go around; you just have to be looking! Every semester, the School of Engineering puts on a Career fair with over 180 engineering companies looking to hire USC students. I think that this is the most valuable part of being at USC because companies are looking to hire USC students and many of the recruiters are USC Alumni!
As a freshman, I made sure to go to all of the information sessions and career fairs to get a sense of what sounds interesting. Attending these events also allows you to meet the recruiters which can potentially lead to summer internship positions. Although I wasn’t able to get an offer then, I was able to spend my summer studying abroad with Viterbi Summer Overseas! Viterbi Summer Overseas offers a great summer alternative for students and allows time for you to get closer with your peers.
Being outgoing as a freshman prepared me to dive headfirst into the career fair my sophomore year. Suited up and resume in hand, navigating the career fair was a lot easier the second time around. My nerves were calmed as I had already met some of the recruiters at events the year prior, with some of them even remembering that I had come to their booth. These relationships also led to interviews (and rejections) because I had demonstrated interest in the company. Another great part is that many companies hold interviews on campus for student convenience so you don’t have to miss too much class, if any.
One of the best tips I can give to students is to start early in the search for an internship and to be resilient. After nine interviews with six different companies, I am thrilled to have received an offer from Northrop Grumman for this upcoming summer. I can’t wait to see what the future holds and encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities.
