When alumni mentors give back, they gain, too

When sophomore Jacqueline Morales arrived at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, she had a clear vision for her future. A biochemistry major, she planned to pursue a career in medicine while exploring opportunities that blended her interests in science, health and service.

This led her to the USC Dornsife Alumni Mentorship Program, where she discovered that some of the most valuable opportunities are the ones you don’t expect.

Matched with alumnus Jorge Osuna ’13, director of technical services at Gilead Sciences, Morales found a mentor who encouraged her to pursue opportunities beyond her immediate interests and remain open to experiences that could broaden her perspective.

Acting on that guidance, Morales applied for research positions she might otherwise have overlooked and ultimately joined the lab of James Moffett, professor of biological sciences and civil and environmental engineering at USC Dornsife. Under Moffett’s direction, she helps measure levels of the rare-earth metal gadolinium in Los Angeles rivers and harbors as a tracer of municipal sewage inputs.

Morales’ story reflects the mission of the Alumni Mentorship Program, which connects students with alumni for career exploration, networking and professional development. Through conversations and activities tailored to their goals and interests, students gain insights from alumni who have already navigated many of the paths they hope to pursue.

Throughout their mentorship, Morales and Osuna, who graduated with a PhD in chemistry from USC Dornsife, discussed academic and professional goals and explored the many possibilities available to someone with a STEM background.

Osuna also partnered with fellow mentor and USC Dornsife alum Gerard Jensen ’94 to host joint Zoom meetings that brought together multiple mentors and students, creating opportunities for networking, peer learning and conversations about a wide range of career paths.

“Prior to the program, I was primarily focused on pursuing a career in medicine,” Morales says. “Through conversations with my mentors and learning about their professional experiences, I became more open to exploring opportunities in fields such as biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology.”

Alumni mentors build their legacy by helping ensure students’ success

Across USC Dornsife, alumni mentors help students build professional skills, expand their networks and gain confidence as they prepare for life after graduation.

For Osuna, mentorship is rooted in gratitude.

“My motivation to become a mentor comes from a genuine desire to help others in the same way I was helped throughout my life,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to have educators, mentors, coaches and peers who took an interest in my development and played a meaningful role in shaping my education and career.”

Retired financial planner Leon Laub, who graduated from USC Dornsife with a BA in Spanish in 1980 and an MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business in 1990, has participated in the mentorship program for three years. He helps students strengthen résumés and LinkedIn profiles while they navigate internships, graduate school applications and career opportunities.

Shanelle Sua ’16, who leads recruiting and development at financial planning firm Strategic View Advisors, was motivated to mentor by her own experience as a USC student.

“I remember being lost and confused about my future, and the people who mentored me really helped me,” says Sua, who graduated with a degree in international relations with an emphasis in global business from USC Dornsife. “I want to do the same now that I’ve been able to establish my career.”

Meaningful connections create lasting impact

While students gain guidance and professional connections, mentors also find the experience rewarding.

“Mentorship creates a two-way exchange,” says Osuna. “Mentees gain guidance and insight, while mentors gain fresh perspectives, renewed curiosity and a sense of fulfillment.”

For Morales, that exchange gave her a broader perspective on what her future could become.

“I am more excited about discovering new fields, gaining diverse experiences and remaining open to career paths that align with my interests and strengths as they continue to develop,” she says.

Recruitment for next year’s Alumni Mentorship Program will begin over the summer, with invitations and program details shared via email. Check the program webpage frequently for updates, as well, at dornsife.usc.edu/careerpathways/mentorship-programs/.