The summer break is a great time for students to pursue internships and other career opportunities without the stress of a full course load. These opportunities are crucial in helping students develop professional skills in the workplace and further develop their career interests.
There is still plenty of time for students to secure an opportunity for the summer! Career services continue to be available for students and are key tools to supporting your search.
Hear about how USC Viterbi recent graduate Ahona Karim landed her upcoming Electrical Engineering Intern position at ASSA ABLOY Group using Handshake and other online resources. Her story reveals many practical tips and insights for fellow students going through the recruiting process.
Q. How did you prepare for the recruiting process, and what resources at USC did you find most helpful?
A. Tailor your resume for every role and make sure it reflects the specific qualifications employers are looking for.
When I first started recruiting, I was mainly applying through job portals using the same resume for every role, and I realized soon that it was difficult to get responses that way. It often felt like my resume was not even making it through ATS screening systems. I then started reviewing each job description and tailoring my resume to include the specific skills and keywords employers were looking for.
One of the most helpful USC resources for me was CareerShift. I used it to identify USC alumni and employees working at companies I was interested in, then reached out through email or LinkedIn to set up coffee chats. During those conversations, I asked about the role, interview process and what helped candidates stand out. Many people offered valuable insight, referrals or advice that helped me better prepare for interviews and applications.
I also frequently used Handshake, not only to apply for roles but also to connect with recruiters and employers. The USC Career Center interview rooms were also very helpful because they provided a quiet and professional environment for virtual interviews.
Q. What advice would you give to students just starting the recruiting process?
A. Don’t underestimate the importance of networking.
Cold emailing, LinkedIn outreach and coffee chats can make a huge difference because having a human connection often helps you stand out.
Be consistent with applications, but also avoid burnout. Find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Even if you feel like you don’t know everything, approach interviews with confidence and demonstrate a willingness to learn. Also, talk about projects you are genuinely passionate about. Whether during interviews or networking conversations, showing genuine enthusiasm and curiosity makes you stand out.
Q. What is one way you practiced well-being during your job search?
A. I tried to focus on small wins and maintain a positive mindset throughout the process.
If I received an interview but not an offer, I treated it as practice rather than complete failure. I also viewed coffee chats as opportunities to learn and build connections, not just as a means to get referrals.
Creating a routine helped a lot as well. I would often go to the library in the morning, bring a cup of tea and dedicate time to applying. Having structure made the process feel much more manageable and less overwhelming.
About Ahona:
Ahona Karim is a recent graduate from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, where she studied Electrical and Computer Engineering. During her time at USC, she was actively involved in various student organizations including the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) and USC Undergraduate Student Government Student Service Assembly (USG SSA), while also pursuing projects in embedded systems, distributed systems and wearable health technologies.
Outside of academics and work, she enjoys exploring film, music, and creative storytelling and values interdisciplinary learning experiences that connect technology with society.
Ahona is an incoming Electrical Engineering Intern at ASSA ABLOY Group. She secured the position after applying through the company website and successfully completing three rounds of interviews, including an in-person interview.
