As the New Year approaches, I find myself planning for the exciting year that lies ahead. Like most people who set resolutions for self-improvement at the turn of the year, I also have goals and aspirations that I’m eager to pursue in the coming semester. 

Setting meaningful and achievable career goals is crucial for all USC students as they navigate their educational journey and prepare for the professional world. Hi, I’m Saskia River, a third-year Public Relations student at USC’s Annenberg School of Communications and Journalism, and here are my goals and planned actions for 2024:

Goal #1: Acquire a specific set of skills relevant to Public Relations/Digital Marketing.

Action: Enroll in Public Relations and Marketing courses at USC, attend workshops found through Handshake and other on-campus resources, or complete online programs such as LinkedIn learning modules to enhance technical or industry-specific skills.

Goal #2: Expand professional connections and build a strong network.

Action: Attend a few networking events, such as Trojan Talks each semester, join a professional organization on campus, and connect with professionals on platforms such as LinkedIn.

Goal #3: Develop a compelling and tailored resume for potential opportunities.

Action: Work on crafting a resume that better highlights my skills, achievements, and experiences, and update it regularly. Meet with a counselor at the Career Center to review it. 

Goal #4: Build and utilize my mentor network.

Action: Utilize academic, professional, and personal connections to create meaningful relationships. Be unafraid to tap into these relationships to cultivate a mentor/mentee dynamic and approach them for advice to gain insights and perspective on my career path.

Setting goals as a college student is a pivotal step towards personal and professional development. By establishing clear goals, you can channel your energy towards gaining practical experience, expanding your skill set, and building a foundation for future careers. 

My study of languages over the years (Spanish, Dutch, and French), has fueled my desire to further my studies during a semester abroad to gain a more global perspective to my academic learning and professional goals. The journey abroad is not only about acquiring knowledge; it’s about personal growth, adaptability, and building resilience while immersing into a culture different than my own.

I intend to pursue a career in Public Relations upon graduating from USC. My area of interest as it relates to public relations is hospitality and tourism. Coupled with my prior and current professional internships, a study abroad program in Paris offers a wealth of cultural experiences that I will be able to capitalize on as I carve a career path for myself post-graduation. My interest in understanding issues on a global scale, cultivated through my studies at USC, opens up the opportunity for me to explore a future career abroad!

I encourage you to set your own personal, academic, and career goals that challenge and inspire you. Whether it’s expanding your knowledge base, mastering a new skill, or venturing into unexplored career paths, the possibilities are endless. Embrace challenges, welcome new perspectives, and use the plethora of resources that are available to you here at USC.  

So, let’s embark on this New Year with a shared determination to grow, learn, and prosper! The goals you set for yourself will guide you to new possibilities and allow for a future filled with success!