Networking Events are different than recruiting events, here are some tips on what to do: 

• In the spirit of Homecoming We recommend that participants wear USC/Viterbi branded clothing to show off their school spirit! Enjoy the free food and refreshments during the event. 
  Review and research attending alumni and organizations (scroll down to see the list).
• Arrive on time. Employers and Alumni will arrive at 4 pm.
• Chat with as many people as possible and collect contact information.
• Remember to ask the person how you should follow-up. (Email, call, LinkedIn, other - everyone has their own preferred way of communication.)
• follow up with the contacts you've made within 24-48 hours, or whatever you both agreed to during the conversation. (There is no standard answer because everyone has their own preference.)

Remember: any contact is a good connection regardless of their background and position!

Preparation is key. Make the most of your experience at the Networking Event:

• Below are some links and videos for you to feel confident and prepared to network:

  • Guide to Successful Networking Interactions
  • Networking Workshop 
  • Networking Tips 

• Create a professional introduction that is short but showcases your unique skills and interests.
• Create a document with questions and your professional introduction to copy and paste during chats for the virtual event or to help you start conversations throughout the on-campus event.
• Prepare questions to use as icebreakers and to maintain the flow of conversation.
• Remember to ask the person how you should follow-up with them, and take their contact information (Email, LinkedIn).
• Update your resume using VMOCK and the Job & Internship Tool Kit

Opt-In Resume Book:

Not all attendees are employers, but for those employers who do attend, you can submit your resume to a resume book that will be shared with them after the event. All student attendees will be invited to submit their resume to the book after the event.

The Purpose of Networking is to build contacts and develop long-term professional relationships. The connections you gradually develop can provide you insight regarding job opportunities that you may not have known about without your networking contacts.  This event will be focused on networking, developing professional contacts, and maintaining relationships. If you are interested in meeting with a particular employer we suggest you attend recruiting events, such as career fairs, Trojan Talks, and OCR events.  It is important to differentiate between these two concepts and develop the professional skills needed for both types of events.

Building Professional Connections

• People hire people! Networking is integral in the job search. It truly is about "who you know"
• There's a hidden job market. Not all positions are posted online, instead filled internally or via networking
• Internal referrals (formal or informal) boost your chances of getting a job
• Informational Interviews help you connect with professionals to obtain personal insight into a particular profession.

The ability to build professional relationships and contacts through networking is very different than attending a career fair and pitching yourself to a recruiter as to why you are a good fit. The Viterbi Career Connections team provides Viterbi students with opportunities to meet with employers at recruiting events and build professional contacts during networking events.  We highly encourage you to attend both recruiting and networking events.

It is important to recognize that recruiters are more likely to connect with you only for a specific job opportunity and the duration of your relationship will be short and focused on hiring.  Networking contacts are more likely to connect with you based on shared interests and or mentor/mentee relationships that are more long-term, providing you with information and guidance throughout your career.

I tried to RSVP for the event, but it is full. Is there a waitlist or standby line?
There is a waitlist, and if there were any spaces in the waitlist, the system would have notified you.  There will not be a standby line for this event.