Now, as a graduating senior, I have made some of my closest friends, landed a job in a city I have fallen in love with thanks to USC connections, become a blogger for the very platform that influenced my journey, and it all started because I chose to take the harder path.

No matter your major, creating a resume may seem daunting. There seem to be hundreds of different templates on Google, but thankfully, the USC Career Center offers concise guides on resume-making. These resources not only help you format your resume but also provide valuable tips on how to highlight your skills and experiences effectively.

This summer was an absolute whirlwind. Like many others can attest to, the process of obtaining an internship and then moving to a new city to work for three months can be extremely exciting but also nervewracking. Transitioning from applying for my L’Oréal internship to studying abroad in Milan last spring to moving straight to New York City for my internship was a hectic experience, especially as an LA native, but it was definitely manageable and enjoyable!

When asked, “What was your favorite part of college?” many  tend to say study abroad. In general, travel is a learning experience, but when mixed with studying, it offers even more enrichment opportunities. While not everyone is able to study abroad in college, I highly recommend looking into Maymester options that allow you to travel to another country for one to two weeks with your USC peers while focusing on a specific aspect of your educational journey. Studying abroad and Maymester options range across most continenst and often are linked to USC’s partner universities. Here are some of USC’s best and most popular study abroad programs.

Sometimes cooking in college can feel overwhelming, especially if you share a kitchen, or maybe don’t have a kitchen in your dorm at all. However, there are many simple and healthy recipes that you can make, and some only require a microwave. Particularly, Trader Joe’s has some great microwavable meal options! Here are some meal ideas from my kitchen including favorite recipes from my mom.

While finally figuring out your study abroad plans is exciting, there’s also a fair bit of stress as the idea becomes a reality. One of the most common causes of this stress is packing. Whether you’re studying abroad for one month or six months, it can be quite challenging to assess which items you’ll absolutely need and what’s a waste of precious suitcase space. Here are a few must-haves and tips to help you pack for your time studying in a new country.

As December and Spotify Wraps start rolling out, people start talking about their New Year’s resolutions. Commonly, these resolutions focus on diets or exercise. Although these are both great resolutions, I have formulated a list of more college-related resolutions for the 2024 New Year if you’re looking to establish some better habits for the spring semester!

Finding a summer internship can be a very overwhelming process, especially given the difficult job market for various industries. However, as USC students, we have so many networking opportunities that help make this process a little bit easier. 

Getting around campus can frequently feel overwhelming with people walking and riding bikes, scooters, and skateboards. Last Wednesday, September 13th, USC Safety and DPS held an event to promote pedestrian, bicycle, scooter, and skateboard safety in which bike bells were given out after completing a short quiz. Here are some easy tips from Wednesday’s USC Safety event if you weren’t able to make it for everyone to feel safer while getting around campus.

By: Ela Rybak ‘25

With finals around the corner, studying is at the forefront of most people’s minds. However,  you may feel stuck in a rut with study techniques that no longer feel beneficial. There are a variety of study methods, and the most effective method will depend on your learning style and preferences. Here are some general tips and strategies that may be helpful as you prepare for these major cumulative exams.

By: Ela Rybak ‘25

When I tell strangers about my major, I normally get one of two responses – a knowing nod or a weird mixture of a shrug and a smile. And I get it. People have a preconceived notion that business majors are only looking for a high-paying job. Finding a job that offers a secure lifestyle is truly a significant accomplishment. However, this is far from the main reason why I chose to major in business.

By: Ela Rybak ‘25

My desire to attend USC never dwindled during my time in community college, which is why I stayed so hopeful and continued on my path toward gaining admission. Though receiving the first rejection was difficult, the journey of the Trojan Transfer Plan was rewarding in itself. It offered me my first bit of USC community when I reached out to fellow prospective transfer students via the Trojan Transfer Program Instagram account and ended up meeting one of my current best friends.