Keep the successful momentum going into your third year with these events and helpful information, designed just for juniors.
Schedule a one-on-one appointment with an upperclassman or professional staff member to check in on how your third year is going and make a plan for the future.
You may know all the ins and outs of USC by the time you get to your third year, but the SSC still pulled together a list of things you should consider. From doing things on campus to developing a plan for the future. Use this list as a base to make your own list!
Do you think more school may in your future after you complete your undergraduate degree? Many students choose to go onto graduate school, law school, or some sort of health school (medical school, dental school, optometry school, veterinarian school). The Office of Pre-Professional Advising is ready to help and advise you on this process! If you have not yet had a one on one appointment with them, be sure to do so this year!
No idea WHAT you want to do after college? That is fine– don't stress yet! Take some time to chat with the Career Center. Many people associate them with resumes and job search, but they actually can help you narrow down potential careers based on your interest. They have a variety of assessments that you can try out that may point you in a career direction based on you interests. Make an appointment to chat with them about that!
Many students may not be ready to go into graduate school or start the career of their dreams right after college. There are a few alternatives. Participating in the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or other service opportunities may be something to explore.
Employers are looking for potential employees who have had a well-rounded experience in college. Take time this year to build up your resume a little more so that you have examples to share in job interviews. Start looking for internships EARLY. Meet with the Office of Undergraduate Research and learn how to get connected to a research project, get involved in student organizations and take on a leadership position, go through with that study abroad idea. All of these things will help you stand out in the job market.
Take the time to have a one-on-one appointment with the Career Center. Have them review your resume and set up a mock interview with them– it is so helpful to practice befrore you do a real one! Attend a Career/Internship Fair and apply for those internships EARLY. Don't be disappointed when you don't get the first one you apply for but keeping at it!
Make sure you have an updated LinkedIn profile and talk to the Career Center about how to use it effectively. Also be sure to set up a Handshake account with the USC Career Center. All companies that gain access to this service are reviewed by the Career Center to verify their business.
Junior year is a great time to dive more into your academic home. Get involved with a student organization that is related to your major. Take the time to go to guest lectures or volunteer for events offered by your home academic unit. These vary per academic unit but are worth looking into!
Building your network and getting to know your faculty and the staff that work at the university can be very helpful in the last two years of college. Faculty and staff can help connect you to alumni, provide tips on internships or job opportunities, serve as a reference, write letters of recommendation and be a mentor. Take time to invest in these professional relationships! Go to office hours, ask questions in class, use the Out-to-Lunch program in the Student Success Center, or participate in a Mutual Expectations workshop.
The Student Success Center offers free tutoring and support for many courses. If you need help in a course and it is not listed, ask the Student Success Center! They may be able to find someone to help in that course. Take the time to have a one-on-one Money Management consultation. You can chat about how to plan to pay back your student loans after college, how to make a budget, and more!