Nov. 16-20, 2026
Career Development Week is a university-wide series designed to help staff build career management skills, strengthen professional connections, and explore ways to grow.
Choose from virtual and hybrid sessions on networking, career conversations, informational interviews, resumés, LinkedIn, and the thoughtful use of AI. Whether you want to develop in your current role or prepare for future possibilities, the week offers practical guidance and resources to support your professional growth.
Who should participate
Career Development Week is open to all USC employees.
Session topics
Interview with Confidence: Preparing for Interview Opportunities
Monday, Nov. 16,
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Christiana Simpson, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, USC Human Resources
Build confidence and sharpen your interview skills with strategies for internal roles at USC. Practice articulating your impact and get real-time feedback.
Rock Your LinkedIn Profile
Tuesday, Nov. 17,
11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Clair Walker, Account Director, LinkedIn
Get practical tips for making the most of your LinkedIn profile and using it to grow your network, skills, and career opportunities.
Career Transitions Inside USC Panel
Tuesday, Nov. 17,
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Elaine Padilla, Senior Partner, Talent Development, USC Human Resources
Hear firsthand stories from employees who have successfully navigated career transitions within USC.
Panelists include Jennifer Chan, Marshall School of Business, April De La Rosa, Office of EVP Finance and Operations, and Brian Mendez, HR, Ethics, and Compliance.
Leveraging LinkedIn Learning for Career Growth
Wednesday, Nov. 18,
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Clair Walker, Account Director, LinkedIn
Join a conversation about the future of work, skills that remain in demand, and ways to use your LinkedIn Learning license to support your career goals.
Connecting Across Campus: Informational Interviewing for Career Growth
Wednesday, Nov. 18,
1-2 p.m.
Ryan Alcantara, Special Assistant to the Dean, Rossier School of Education
Learn how to connect with colleagues, have meaningful informational interviews, and use what you learn to support your career goals.
Leaders Helping Leaders: Career Conversation Success Stories Panel
Thursday, Nov. 19,
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Bashar Aburashed, Talent Development Partner, USC Human Resources
Hear from USC leaders about how effective career conversations can support employee growth and development.
Panelists include Alexandra Brown, Advancement, Phil Turner, Housing Central Administration, and Kohl Iverson, HR, Ethics, and Compliance.
Stand Out Internally: Résumés, Cover Letters & Smart Use of AI
Thursday, Nov. 19,
1-2 p.m.
Christiana Simpson, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, USC Human Resources
Get practical guidance on strengthening your internal application materials, including résumés, cover letters, and thoughtful uses of AI. Review sample materials and learn ways to clearly communicate your impact.
Growing Without Changing Jobs
Friday, Nov. 20,
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Elaine Padilla, Senior Partner, Talent Development, USC Human Resources
Explore ways to gain new experiences, develop skills, and increase your impact without changing positions.
Unable to attend?
Sessions will be recorded and made available in TrojanLearn. Links to the recordings will be added to this page after Career Development Week concludes.
Questions?
Please contact the Talent Development team at tlntdev@usc.edu.