More Than a Club: Discovering Student Organizations at USC Viterbi
When students ask me what makes USC Viterbi special, my answer isn’t just the world-class academics or our incredible faculty, it’s the community.
One of the best ways to experience that community is by getting involved in a student organization.
At USC Viterbi, student organizations are much more than something to add to your résumé. They’re where you’ll meet lifelong friends, discover new passions, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and gain hands-on experience beyond the classroom.
One of my favorite things about Viterbi is that there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in sending rockets to outer space, sustainability, entrepreneurship, service, cultural organizations, or simply finding a group of people who share your interests, you’ll find a place to belong.
And here’s the best part: most Viterbi student organizations don’t require an application to join. You can simply show up to a meeting, introduce yourself, and get involved. It’s an incredibly welcoming environment that makes it easy to explore different communities until you find the ones that feel like home.
Design Teams
If you’re someone who loves to build, create, and solve problems, design teams might be your perfect fit. These teams tackle real engineering challenges by designing everything from race cars and rockets to underwater vehicles and autonomous systems. You’ll work alongside other students, apply what you’re learning in class, and gain hands-on experience that employers love to see.
Academic, Social, & Community Organizations
Not every engineering experience happens in a lab or workshop. Viterbi is also home to organizations that focus on professional development, academic success, leadership, service, and community. Whether you’re attending networking events, connecting with alumni, exploring research opportunities, participating in outreach, or finding a community that shares your interests or background, these organizations help you grow both personally and professionally. They’re a great way to build your network, develop leadership skills, and make Viterbi feel like home.
You don’t have to limit yourself to just one student organization. Many students are involved in a technical design team while also participating in a professional, cultural, service, or community-based organization. It’s a great way to combine hands-on engineering experience with leadership development, networking, and building lasting friendships.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: stay curious. Go to the involvement fair, explore organizations that catch your interest, and don’t be afraid to try something new. You never know where one meeting might lead—it could introduce you to a lifelong passion, your future best friends, or an opportunity that shapes your entire college experience.
At the end of the day, student organizations are about so much more than building your résumé. They’re where you’ll challenge yourself, grow as a leader, discover what excites you, and find a community that supports you every step of the way. That’s one of the things that makes the USC Viterbi experience so special, and one of the many reasons our students say Viterbi feels like home.
