Written by Graduate Intern, Kayla Carrillo
The USC Career Center launched its new pilot workshop series, Alumni Insider Tips: A Graduating Student’s Guide to Job Hunting, bringing together recent USC alumni for two powerful virtual panels in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. Panelists shared their candid and real-world experience navigating the ups, downs, and in-betweens of launching a career after graduation.
Meet the Panelists:
Fall 2024 Panelists:
● Audrielle Tackett – Reporter & Multimedia Journalist @ KTVB
● Cindy Thai – Tax Associate @ PwC
● Edgar Sanchez – Manufacturing Engineer @ Boeing
● Gerardo Rochin – Management Consulting Analyst @ Accenture
● Giancarlo Rodriguez – Analyst @ Blue Garnet
Spring 2025 Panelists:
● Alina Yang – Analyst, Health & Benefits @ Mercer
● Catherine Li – Software Developer Engineer @ AWS
● Kacey Konya –Cyber and Strategic Risk Analyst @ Deloitte
● Trinity Gomez – Social Media Coordinator @ LA Rams
Led by Career Advisor Ella Rae Columbres and moderated by USC graduate intern Kayla Carrillo, the panel covered everything from persisting through rejections, the importance of mentorship, networking, and the art of getting a return offer. Below are six key takeaways from the discussions.
Key Takeaways:
1. Resilience is the Real Skill
Rejection, silence, and uncertainty were recurring themes. Regardless of the industry, all panelists commented on the importance of tailoring your materials, showcasing your work, and staying motivated. Rodriguez added, “Every no is just getting you closer to your yes.” Stay persistent and don’t let temporary setbacks define your journey.
2. Return Offers Require Going the Extra Mile
Panelists emphasized that getting a full-time offer takes more than completing your tasks. Gomez encouraged students to “seize the opportunity” during internships while Thai notes that showing initiative, asking thoughtful questions, and demonstrating a willingness to learn go a long way in securing a return offer for a full-time role. Rochin also adds, “You don’t have to know everything–you just need to be eager.”
3. Transition from Student to Professional
Konya and Gomez discussed the transitional challenges of entering the workforce. It’s normal to face ambiguity, imposter syndrome, and even failure. “You grow from every experience,” said Yang, and Li reminded students that soft skills, such as leadership and communication, are just as important as technical skills.
4. Networking Works (Even After a Rejection)
Networking was a common denominator in the success of every panelist. Sanchez even shared that after being initially rejected by Boeing, he followed up and eventually got hired. Yang further emphasized that point and also adds, “Don’t take rejections personally.”
5. Resources Make a Difference
USC resources and mentorship played a key role in each panelist’s journey. Whether through the career center, cultural orgs, industry-based clubs, or peers, each panelist pointed to mentorship and student involvement as pivotal to their professional growth. Your peers now are your future colleagues–invest in those relationships.
6. There’s No “Right” Path–Only Yours
Panelists challenged the myth of linear success, reminding students that every experience, whether working retail between roles or facing a longer job search, can be valuable. “It’s not about what you do,” said Tackett, “it’s about how you talk about it.” As an international student, Li also highlighted the importance of staying proactive, pushing forward, and “believing in your value.” Your journey is valid, there’s no “right” path.
The workshop offered a safe and practical space to hear real stories from USC Alumni about navigating a competitive job market and a Q&A section on practical advice for all respective industries.
Whether you’re just starting your job search or you’re deep in the application process, these alumni stories are here to remind you: the job search is hard–but you don’t have to do it alone.
If you missed the panel, the recordings are available on the USC Career Center’s YouTube Channel:
