About the Role
Written by Industrial and Systems Engineering Student & Career Center Intern, Holly Anderson
In Career Connections, Career Center interns dive into their own networking experiences to reveal their best tips and tricks for building and maintaining professional relationships. Beyond their stories, they have crafted helpful templates you can use to start growing your own network. Read on for the second installment of this series featuring Holly Anderson.
The Importance of Networking
During my time as the IISE Director of Consulting at USC, I had the opportunity to organize a career fair that connected students with companies across consulting companies. Through this, I met a KPMG recruiter, and we stayed in touch as I explored potential career paths. I also attended KPMG’s Women in Advisory Summit, which helped me realize I was interested in applying for a Risk Management role.
When I went to apply, I discovered that the Risk Management position wasn’t open for this recruiting cycle. I reached out to the recruiter for guidance, and she took the time to understand my background, interests, and career goals. She thoughtfully suggested I consider the Customer and Operations Advisory role instead, explaining how it aligned with my analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and consulting interests. Her guidance not only helped me pivot confidently but also led me to secure an offer in KPMG’s Advisory practice, initially for the internship, and now for full-time as well. That conversation truly shaped the trajectory of my recruiting experience and taught me the value of seeking mentorship early.
Maintaining Your Network
This experience reinforced that mentorship isn’t just about getting answers; it’s about perspective, clarity, and opening doors you might not have considered. I learned the importance of being proactive in building relationships with professionals and recruiters, staying open to guidance, and embracing new opportunities even when your original plan doesn’t go as expected. The support and insight I received gave me confidence to navigate the recruiting process with focus and adaptability.
How To Get Started
Take initiative and put yourself in positions to connect with professionals, whether through student organizations, career fairs, or summits. Be open and honest about your interests and goals, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. Even if your first plan doesn’t work out, a single conversation can redirect your path in ways you never imagined.
Sample outreach message:
Dear [Recruiter Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I’m currently exploring opportunities in [field/role type] and wanted to connect with you to learn more about potential paths within [Company Name].
I’d love to hear your perspective on roles that might align with my background in [briefly highlight relevant skills, experience, or student leadership], and any advice you might have for someone early in their career.
If you’re available, I would greatly appreciate 20–30 minutes to speak at your convenience. Thank you so much for your time and guidance, it really means a lot as I navigate my next steps.
Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn profile link, if applicable]
Good luck with networking, Trojans! Stay tuned for more advice from Career Center interns.