As a Viterbi student, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to define my own version of my engineering education that is interdisciplinary and uniquely me. Engineering+ is a philosophy that encourages Viterbi students to explore beyond our engineering majors and embrace a well-rounded education.
Trojan Marching Band and Music
For me, Engineering+ has meant expressing my love of music through the Trojan Marching Band (TMB). This is my third year as a alto sax player in the TMB, and my second year holding the leadership position of Squad Leader. To me, it’s more than just playing music; it’s about leadership, teamwork, and precision. As a squad leader, I’ve had to inspire my fellow musicians, solve problems on the fly, and ensure everyone is on the same page. These skills have been invaluable in my engineering studies and internships, where teamwork and problem-solving are essential. You can read more about my experience in the TMB here!
Beyond the TMB, I’ve also found creative outlets in DJing and playing guitar. Whether I’m spinning tracks or jamming with friends, music has always been a constant in my life. These pursuits have not only allowed me to express myself musically but have also developed valuable soft skills that are directly applicable to engineering. For example, DJing has taught me about time management, adaptability, and crowd engagement, while playing guitar at gigs has helped me develop communication and collaboration skills.
My Cybersecurity Minor
I’m minoring in Cybersecurity through our Information Technology Program, and I think this lets me look at my major in Industrial and Systems Engineering through a fascinating new lens! It’s like being a digital detective, investigating cybercrimes and protecting sensitive information. I’ve learned about network security, cryptography, and digital forensics, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to know that I’ve already put this information to use during my internship with PwC!
Fun Classes
One of the best things about USC is the incredible diversity of students and the opportunities they bring to the table. I’ve taken classes like yoga and meditation to manage stress, an art history and visual culture class to spark my creativity, and even dabbled in poetry writing. I’ve always been drawn to the arts and humanities, and I believe that a well-rounded engineering education should include exploring non-STEM areas too! These experiences have not only enriched my personal life but have also made me a better engineer.
Whether it’s a love for music, poetry, or yoga, there’s always a community of like-minded people at USC — which has been incredibly inspiring!
