Written by USC Graduate Student, Jack Menghini
So how do you market yourself? How is my investment in tuition supporting my future? And how can USC help uplift me in my career journey?
Hi, my name is Jack Menghini, and I’m pursuing my Master of Science in Digital Media at USC. I have 3 years of marketing experience and have worked multiple odd jobs. Like many students, I came here not only for the academics, but also for the connections and career development opportunities. Marketing yourself isn’t about bragging–it’s about being intentional with how you show up, how you connect, and how you use the resources at your disposal.
So the question is: how do you actually tap into USC’s resources and make them work for you?
Here are eight steps that can help.
Step 1: Show Up and Get Involved
The first rule of marketing yourself is simple: put yourself out there. It’s easy advice to give, harder to actually follow, but USC makes it easier by offering a wide range of events through the USC Career Center and school-specific centers like the Annenberg Career Development Office, the Marshall Career Center, or the Viterbi Career Connections Office.(See the Career Center website for a full list of school-based career centers).
● Attend events regularly and do your research: Go to career fairs, and bring your resume, but also research and apply for opportunities to express interest and show you are taking proactive steps.
● Don’t burn bridges: You never know who you may come across in the future so never close any doors or opportunities and be open minded when putting yourself out there
● Have an appetite for rejection: Rejection is part of the process. Don’t take it personally–every ‘no’ is just a step closer to a ‘yes.’
Step 2: Build Relationships with Career Staff
Every school has career advisors who understand the internship and job search process. Book one-on-one appointments to review your résumé and share your goals. Moreover, ask specific questions about your industry:
- Is this application the industry standard?
- When does the cycle for this industry start?
- Who would you recommend I connect with if I want to go into ______ industry?
- What are some opportunities or events that align with my interests?
Step 3: Create and Share Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is your brand in action. Depending on your field, this could be:
● Journalism/Media: Writing samples, digital projects, or video reels.
● Design/Marketing: Mock campaigns, case studies, or spec work.
● STEM/Tech: Code samples, GitHub repositories, or project demos.
Don’t wait for a job or internship to fill your portfolio–create projects on your own or through clubs to showcase your abilities.
Step 4: Maximize Your Digital Presence
In today’s market, your LinkedIn often speaks before you do. Make sure it reflects who you are and what you’re striving for.
● Keep it updated with internships, leadership roles, and projects.
● Share posts or write short reflections on industry trends, guest lectures, or personal projects.
● Join USC-specific groups on LinkedIn and engage with alumni who are often open to connecting with fellow Trojans.
Step 5: Leverage Clubs and Student Organizations
Professional clubs aren’t just for networking–they’re mini career labs. I was able to be an account executive for two semesters by joining PRSSA. This leadership role allowed my team of students the chance to expand their skillsets, meet like-minded peers, and even collaborate with real clients. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need an executive board position to make an impact. You can learn just as much by showing up and contributing consistently.
Step 6: Use Every Job Platform Available
Don’t limit yourself to one platform. USC provides Handshake, which is full of USC-targeted opportunities you won’t find elsewhere. This may sound like a no brainer, but pair Handshake with LinkedIn, Indeed, and niche industry boards. The key is consistency–check in often, set alerts, and stay active. Make an Excel sheet of the top companies you’d like to work at.
Handshake has been super helpful in helping me research and find opportunities at the Legendary Entertainment, LA Coliseum, USC Credit Union, and BMO Stadium.
Step 7: Tap Into the Trojan Network
USC’s alumni network is one of the most powerful in the country. Alumni often want to give back by mentoring, offering advice, or flagging opportunities.
● Use the Trojan Network and USC Linkedin to reach out to alumni in your field.
● Participate in the Headshots to Handshakes program to obtain a USC e-business card that you can customize to link all of your platforms (LinkedIn, portfolio, Instagram, etc.).
● Attend alumni-student mixers hosted by your school. I have been able to meet many mentors and alumni from top companies in my industry like the NFL, Disney, and more.
● Ask thoughtful questions instead of just asking for a job.
Step 8: Treat Yourself Like a Brand
At the end of the day, marketing yourself is about clarity and consistency. Know what story you’re telling: What skills do you bring? What problems do you solve? What are you passionate about? Every resume, LinkedIn post, coffee chat, and class project is an opportunity to reinforce that story.
These are just a handful of the many resources USC offers. Depending on where you are in your journey, you can also take advantage of tools like VMock, Big Interview, the IRIS photo booth, LinkedIn Learning, and countless others. I’m still discovering new opportunities every day and that’s part of what makes the USC experience so valuable.
