Welcome Dornsife Alumni

Smile – Introduce yourself and don’t wait for someone to approach you. A warm hello goes a long way.

Ask questions –Be curious. Alumni love to share their stories.

Stay engaged – Be an active listener and avoid looking around the room.

Be a connector – Look for ways to bring people together through shared interests or experiences

Go to sporting events – Come back to campus to cheer on the Trojans or host a watch party near you.

Use career services – Get free one-on-one advising through Dornsife’s Career Pathways at and explore USC Career Center offerings.

Mentor an undergraduate student – Once you’ve had some work experience, give back with a guided mentorship program through Career Pathways

LinkedIn alumni directory – Start with the USC LinkedIn alumni directory or Trojan Network to find alumni in roles that interest you.

Informational interview – Avoid asking for a job directly and request time to meet for career advice.

Prepare – Set a goal for the meeting. Be ready to introduce yourself and share your goals. Have thoughtful questions outlined and be punctual. Have a professional background if you’re meeting virtually.

Follow up – Send a thank you note within a day mentioning something meaningful from the conversation. Check in periodically.