In response to COVID-19 closing college campuses worldwide, many higher education institutions are now providing career services virtually to their students. One such institution that is implementing virtual career services is the University of Southern California (USC) through connectSC (powered by Symplicity CSM). USC has one of the largest multi-school environments with connectSC for all of their students, offering multiple resources to help students explore career opportunities.
Here are seven core virtual capabilities in which connectSC helps to deliver career services during COVID-19:
1. Career Center staff can schedule virtual one-on-one advising sessions with students through Virtual Career Advising:
Current USC students can schedule a virtual advising appointment through the counseling module in connectSC. Students simply log in and click “Advising Appointment” to request an appointment either by phone or by Zoom link. For those who need immediate assistance, there are also virtual drop-in hours available, Monday through Friday from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Advisors are available to review resumes and cover letters, discuss interviewing, strategize networking, and answer other career development questions.
2. Employers can set up virtual interviews and use resume collection in lieu of in-person interviews through On-Campus Recruiting (OCR):
USC students can log in to their connectSC accounts to apply for upcoming interview schedules. OCR interviews can take place via Zoom or other virtual platforms. All USC students have a USC-branded Zoom account, which makes applying for virtual OCR interviews even easier for students.
3. Career Center staff can put students into direct contact with employers through Virtual Career Fairs:
ConnectSC’s Virtual Career Fairs offer the ability to have real-time chat sessions between employers and students. Employers and students can access the chat via their respective interfaces on the day of the event. Students can RSVP to the event and staff can create resume books for networking nights so that employers can access resumes online.
4. Students can learn more about industries and organizations through Trojan Talks:
Trojan Talks are typically one to two hours long and are organization-specific. They provide students with the opportunity to speak directly with an employer directly and gain insight into an organization’s culture, qualifications of new hires, details on the recruiting process, as well as information about open positions. All Trojan Talks are conducted through Zoom, or other virtual platforms, so that students and employers can engage face-to-face.
“Especially now, as our students acclimate to the world of virtual recruiting, our Trojan Talks have empowered our students to virtually engage with employers without any interruption. Students are not only gaining in-depth knowledge into an employer's hiring process, but they are also learning to face a rapidly changing marketplace, as well as strategically package their skills and experience as a resource for those employers who seek their talent.”
Jennifer Kim,
Director of Employer Relations and Research,
USC Career Center
5. Students can submit resumes online and staff can continue to review resumes and provide feedback online through Virtual Resume Assistance:
In addition to virtual drop-in hours, students have access to 24/7 Virtual Resume Critiques. Staff can provide feedback online for all resumes that are uploaded. When students log in, they also have access to resources such as resume and cover letter writing tips.
6. Staff can segment and target virtual jobs and internships to students and alumni through a dynamic Job/Internship Search:
connectSC is highly customizable so the USC Career Center was able to add a “virtual” filter for employers to use when posting jobs to identify virtual opportunities. In turn, students are able to use this filter to perform an advanced search.
7. connectSC has integrated various Symplicity Technology Partners to provide even more value to students:
The USC Career Center uses Candid Career to provide students instant access to thousands of career videos with interview tips, job information, and more.
With the online database GoinGlobal, USC is able to provide students with domestic and international job listings, job search resources, and more.
Powered by PeopleGrove, the USC Career Network is an online mentoring platform where USC students can connect with alumni for information interviews, networking, or longer, semester-based mentorships.
Vault’s career advice and company guides are an invaluable resource to USC students looking for guidance on organizations, industries, and more.
Whether students need to schedule an appointment, have their resumes reviewed, search for jobs or internships, network with alumni, or research the latest industry trends, USC continues to provide excellent career services virtually through connectSC thanks to the flexibility and customization of the Symplicity CSM platform.
For more information about virtualizing student services, email info@symplicity.com or schedule a conversation.