• Maintain a GPA of 3.0+
• Log-in to Handshake, upload your resume and complete your student profile to 100%
• Explore EngageSC to get involved and connect with the USC Viterbi community
• Go to drop-in hours or schedule an advising appointment with a Viterbi Career Connections advisor to learn about the resources available to you
• Apply in the fall semester for summer internships
• Review and RSVP for a professional development workshop hosted by VCC
• Participate in informational interviews and research internship opportunities
• Attend Employer Trojan Talks (Company Info Sessions) that interest you
• Get started on your resume. Use the resume and cover letter portion of the Toolkit to guide you
• Attend the Viterbi Career & Internship Expo
• Explore the USC Career Center's resources and events

Continue everything from the First year pt. 1 above, plus: 

• Join a student organization and/or professional association
• Attend professional conferences
• Work on career-related projects
• Attend Networking and Job Search professional development workshops hosted by VCC
• Participate in mock interviews and On-Campus interviews
• Read both VASE and VCC "Get Hired" newsletters for opportunities.
• Network with employers, faculty, staff, and peers
• Join the Trojan Network to find an Alumni mentor or simply connect to ask questions about their career
• Develop a list of professional references
• Explore Viterbi Career Connections' Career Events to learn more about opportunities

Continue everything from the First year pt. 1 & 2 above, plus: 

• Take on a leadership position within a student organization
• Go to drop-in hours or schedule an advising appointment with a Viterbi Career Connections advisor to finalize your post-graduation plans
• Log-in to Handshake, update your profile and resume. Apply for full-time jobs through Handshake and company websites in the fall semester
• Attend the Fall and Spring Viterbi Career & Internship Expo
• Request letters of recommendation from faculty
• Attend the offer evaluation and negotiation professional development workshop hosted by VCC
• Secure OPT 90 days prior to graduation, if applicable
• Complete the First Destination Survey
• Become a mentor on the Trojan Network

Continue everything from the First and Second Year above, plus: 

• Research companies hiring international students through the H1b Employer Data Hub, international job board Interstride and the Viterbi Career & Internship Expo employer list published
• Visit the Office of International Services (OIS) who will help process Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • CPT and OPT are for international students who have completed at least one academic year in the U.S.
  • CPT is work authorization that allows international students to participate before graduation in paid off-campus internships in their field of study
  • OPT used primarily after graduation, provides international students the ability to gain employment experience in their field of study. Students should apply 90 days prior to graduation
• Visit the CPT page to learn about academic credit for your internship
• Attend OIS workshops and programs to connect with other international students and improve your U.S. cultural proficiency and English language skills

• Log-in to Handshake, upload your resume and complete your student profile
  • Check "Events" tab for employer Trojan Talks (Information Sessions)
  • Attend as many as you like to explore opportunities, industries and meet recruiters - Offered both virtually and On-Campus
• Get started on your resume - use the resume and cover letter on the Job & Internship Search toolkit
• Explore EngageSC to get involved and connect with the USC Viterbi community
• Participate to drop-in hours or schedule an advising appointment with a Viterbi Career Connections advisor to learn how to tailor your resume or CV depending on your career goals
• Attend Networking and Job Search professional development workshops hosted by VCC
• Explore Viterbi Career Connections recruiting and networking events to explore opportunities and connect with employers
• Read both VASE and VCC Get Hired Newsletters for opportunities and events
• Attend the Viterbi Career & Internship Expo
• Explore the USC Career Center's resources and events

Continue everything from the first 2 years above, plus: 

• Participate in mock interviews and On-Campus interviews
• Explore and consider opportunities in academia and industry
• Apply in the fall semester for summer internships
• Present and attend professional conferences in your industry or areas of career interest
• Network with employers, faculty, staff, and peers
• Join the Trojan Network to find an Alumni mentor or simply connect to ask questions about their career

Continue everything from the first 4 years above, plus: 

• Develop a list of professional references and request letters of recommendation from faculty
• Go to drop-in hours or schedule an advising appointment with a Viterbi Career Connections advisor to finalize your post-graduation plans
• Apply for full-time roles on Handshake and other job boards/websites
• Attend job search and offer negotiation professional development workshops hosted by VCC.
• Meet with faculty to discuss career goals and referrals
• Complete the First Destination Survey

Continue everything from the Years 1-5 above, plus: 

• Research companies hiring international students through the H1b Employer Data Hub, international job board Interstride and the Viterbi Career & Internship Expo employer list published
• Visit the Office of International Services (OIS) who help process Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • PhD students need to apply for OPT at least 90 days prior to graduation
• Visit the CPT page to learn about academic credit for your internship