Register for the event on Handshake: bit.ly/BCamp26
Graduating and still seeking a job?
Wednesday, June 3 | 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM PST | Virtual (Zoom)
The USC Career Center is hosting its 3rd annual Career & Professional Development Boot Camp to support Juniors, Graduating Seniors & Master’s Students, and recent alumni seeking employment.
The Class of 2026 is highly encouraged to attend!
Each session will offer practical resources and actionable strategies to support job searching, resume development, networking, interview preparation, and financial wellness. Throughout the day, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, career advisors, and USC alumni, as well as connect with them during dedicated networking sessions.
Participants will gain the skills and confidence needed to navigate the job market and secure their next career opportunity.
Opportunity Drawing: All participants will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
Virtual Session Notice:
Recordings may not be available for virtual events, and we highly recommend attending the live stream if possible. Recorded events will be uploaded on the USC Career Center YouTube Channel.
Agenda
Boot Camp Kick Off (9:30 AM -10:00 AM PST)
This session will cover the rules and regulations for students and speakers, followed by an opportunity for questions and answers.
Session 1 (10:00 AM -10:50 AM PST): Choose one of the following workshops
Focuses on helping students successfully position themselves for jobs or internships, even with limited experience. Students will learn how to strengthen their resume and interview responses, effectively leverage tools like AI, and go beyond the application process by building meaningful connections.
Students will learn how to effectively use LinkedIn to build professional relationships, strengthen their personal brand, and attract recruiters through an optimized profile. Participants will also learn practical networking strategies, including how to connect with USC alumni and engage meaningfully with professionals.
Session 2 (11:00 AM -11:50 AM PST): Choose one of the following workshops (2A or 2B):
Build confidence in navigating both behavioral and technical interviews by learning how to structure strong responses using the STAR method, communicate your skills effectively, and approach technical problem-solving with clarity. Participants will also gain practical strategies for standing out to employers in competitive interview settings.
Equips students with strategies to confidently negotiate salary and benefits, understand their market value, and advocate for fair compensation. This also introduces key financial wellness concepts, including budgeting, saving, and building strong money habits to effectively manage and grow their income.
Lunch (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM PST)
Participants will have a chance to take a lunch break before transitioning to Session 3.
Final Session (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM PST)
This session offers students the opportunity to build meaningful connections through coffee chats and casual conversations with industry professionals, while gaining insights on turning those interactions into career opportunities. Each speaker will host their own breakout room, where participants can engage directly and learn strategies to grow and maintain a strong professional network.
Guest Panelists Breakout Rooms
Isaac Adesugba, Global People & Talent Management Executive
Bri Cougle, Head of Global Careers, Ancestry
Kohl Iverson, Recruitment Manager, USC
Simone Jackson, Director Alumni Career Engagement, USC
Adriana Serrano Gutierrez, Associate Director, USC Admission Center
Erika Castellanos, Vice President, JP Morgan Chase
Erika Bickford, YNAB Customer Support
Meghan Laughlin, Director of Internships & Special Programs, USC School of Dramatic Arts
USC Career Center Breakout Rooms
Career Center Resources & Quick Advising Questions
Stefanie Galindo, Associate Director, Career Engagement Team
Internship Search Questions, Tips, & Advice
Liz Banuelos, Internship Programs Advisor, Internship Engagement Team
On-Campus Recruiting Opportunities
Rachel Chung, Associate Director, Employer Engagement Team
Jaden Wood, Employer Engagement Coordinator, Employer Engagement Team
Notice of Non-Discrimination: Events are open to all USC Students. The USC Career Center operates its programs in accordance with USC’s Notice of Non-Discrimination.
Need a disability-related accommodation? We strive to be consistently inclusive in our practices and provide services to all members of the Trojan Family. If you require disability-related accommodations to attend an event, please complete this form .
If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at careers@usc.edu.
