Networking key to success on campus

If I could describe USC in one phrase, I would called it “The Social Network,” and I would compare it to a live and more distinguished Facebook.

Networking is so ingrained into our school’s culture that to succeed at USC it is imperative that you establish the skills and courage to network.

Whether you see it or not, the people who thrive at USC are the ones who have subconsciously or consciously mastered the skills necessary to network. Unfortunately, not all students recognize this and consequently many have trouble finding their niche at USC.

Cultivating the skills crucial to networking helps to create a more fulfilling student experience at USC.

Whether it is with professors, professionals, friends, or peers, students need to learn the most effective ways to connect with people.

When first arriving at USC, I was overwhelmed by the diversity of my peers. I wasn’t sure where I would fit in and was almost set on transferring after my first few months in school.

As I worked to adopt a less pessimistic perspective, I was able to improve my social skills. From that point on, my college experience has improved and I’ve surpassed my beginning-of-college “mid-life crisis.”

For those who find themselves in a situation similar to the one I was in, a good idea would be to put into perspective the views and ideas of those around you and to learn more about them. By fulfilling the role of an active listener, we can learn to be more conversational with our peers and better articulate our own interests.

Embrace this newfound knowledge and put it to work in places such as career fairs, alumni events and the many other opportunities provided at USC.

Browse through the abundance of organizations that USC offers and attend some meetings. Even if you do not like the club or organization after the first meeting, then the worst-case scenario is that you met people who you might interact with on future occasions.

With upcoming career fairs and other networking events hosted at all USC schools, students should feed off the university’s ability to attract the top talent from around the world.

Fellow Trojans hold some of the most powerful positions in the region — in business, entertainment,and politics. More importantly, the university brings them back to their alma mater to recruit the next generation of leaders.

The Trojan family does its part to reach out to students. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be doing our part to reach out, too. And it’s never too early to start.

Chelsea Beirne is a freshman majoring in English and political science.