Coming to USC, I knew I’d have access to some great perks—similar to how an apartment might include special amenities, USC offers each major access to unique resources, spaces, and classes. But the perks I enjoy as an engineering student have surprised me in the best ways. Let’s dive into some of these unexpected benefits!
Professor Connections:
Speaking from the perspective of an ECE student, one of the biggest perks I’ve experienced is the chance to build strong connections with professors. Even in larger classes of approximately 80 students, professors know my name, which makes reaching out for personalized support much easier. Being a lab assistant for EE 109 is a prime example—I get to work with the professor who taught me and now see the class from a different perspective as a student worker, not just as a student. This has opened up mentorship opportunities and provided insights I wouldn’t get otherwise.
Hands-On Experience and Real-World Impact
USC’s focus on hands-on learning has made my experience so much more than theory. Through projects in the Rocket Propulsion Lab and my work on the Avionics team, I get to apply engineering principles directly, working with hardware and gaining skills I can use right out of college. These experiences make the learning process feel relevant and impactful—and they’re a lot of fun!
Supportive Peer Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an engineering student at USC is the collaborative culture. My peers are not only talented but incredibly supportive; we work together on projects, both academic and personal, and help each other with challenging assignments. It’s inspiring to be part of such a close-knit community that genuinely wants everyone to succeed – collaborative as opposed to competitive.
Access to LA’s Engineering Hub
Studying engineering in Los Angeles brings unique benefits too. The city’s tech and engineering scene means there are endless networking events, industry talks, and internship opportunities right on our doorstep. From company visits to casual meetups with professionals in the field, being in LA gives us a head start on building a career.
Skill-Building Beyond Engineering
All my on-campus jobs have offered me valuable opportunities to build critical soft skills—like public speaking, mentorship, and communication—that are essential in any career. Opportunities like these mean I’m developing a well-rounded skill set, which will help me in engineering roles and beyond.
In short, studying engineering at USC has brought a host of perks I didn’t fully anticipate. Beyond the labs and classrooms, it’s the connections, hands-on learning, and the supportive community that truly make this experience rewarding. For anyone considering USC, these “extras” could be some of the best parts of your journey here.
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P.S. We also get to take thousands of gorgeous photos daily — like the cover photo!
