Join us for an interactive virtual career event designed to help students prepare for life after college through real-world insight and conversation with alumni mentors.

This session will feature multiple small-group breakout rooms, each focused on a different aspect of early career success. Students will rotate through three breakout sessions, giving them the opportunity to explore multiple topics and hear diverse perspectives. Each room will be co-led by one or two alumni mentors who will share practical advice, personal experiences, and answer student questions. Proposed breakout topics include:

From college to the workplace: Understanding the culture shift from college to professional life, including workplace expectations, communication norms, and managing feedback and supervision.

First job survival guide: Thriving in your first role by navigating the first 90 days, asking questions effectively, and building confidence while managing imposter syndrome.

Building transferable skills: Identifying and developing skills that carry across industries — such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork — and learning how to articulate them in interviews.

Handling rejection, failure and setbacks: Developing resilience when facing rejection from jobs, internships, or graduate programs, learning from feedback, and staying motivated during longer searches.

Time management in the real world: Adjusting to life without structured academic schedules, prioritizing responsibilities, setting boundaries, and avoiding early-career burnout.

Thriving in diverse and professional environments: Navigating different communication styles and workplace expectations, working effectively with people from varied backgrounds and experiences, and handling misunderstandings professionally.

This event is ideal for students at any stage who want practical guidance, honest conversation, and the chance to learn directly from alumni who have been in their shoes.

This program is open to all eligible individuals. USC Annenberg operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

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