At USC, one of the best ways to get involved and meet new people is by joining a club! With over 1,000 student organizations, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into pre-professional groups, cultural clubs, arts, or recreation. The Viterbi School of Engineering also offers some awesome clubs focused on build and design, like the Formula Team and Rocket Propulsion Lab, where you can dive into hands-on engineering projects.
As a freshman engineering student, it might seem natural to stick with Viterbi clubs, but it’s really important to branch out and explore other clubs on campus. For example, while I’m involved with the National Society of Black Engineers, I’m also part of Troy Camp, a student-run service organization that mentors kids in South Los Angeles. Being in Troy Camp has given me the chance to connect with students from different majors—people I probably wouldn’t meet in my engineering classes.
Joining a variety of clubs helps you explore different interests and become a well-rounded student. For me, volunteering is a passion, but whether you’re into music, debate, or something else, joining non-engineering clubs will expand your social circle and give you new perspectives.
At Viterbi, the idea of “Engineering Plus” is central, meaning that as engineers, we should have knowledge beyond just our field. Getting involved in a variety of clubs is a great way to broaden your horizons.
To find clubs to join, check out the Involvement Fair at the beginning of each semester. Hundreds of clubs set up booths to tell you what they’re all about, making it easy to find the right fit. If you want to explore more options, you can also browse through all the clubs on EngageSC, where you can see everything USC has to offer.
