USC Law students have help in their corners when it comes to hunting for a job or researching different legal careers – the help of 8,700 law school graduates and nearly 200,000 USC alumni, to be exact.
The Trojan Network, as USC’s alumni community is known, may be the best place for students to start making professional contacts that can lead to interviews and job offers. During a lunchtime session Jan. 18, the law school’s Career Services and Development and Graduate Relations offices gave students tips for tapping into this powerful network.
DGR is the hub that connects alumni, students and the law school, and hosts a number of events designed to bring those groups together. Its staff can help students grow their list of contacts by helping them generate lists of alumni based on practice or geographic area.
Two online resources – Martindale Hubbell’s lawyer locator and the State Bar of California – can also generate lists. Martindale allows visitors to search for lawyers based on the law school they attended, while the bar’s site often includes more complete contact information. CSO provides handouts with step-by-step instructions for conducting searches through Martindale.
With a list of alumni in hand, students should send an e-mail to each contact requesting an informational interview. At this meeting, a law student can learn more about the lawyer’s background and practice area, expand their network, observe the work environment, and get information on how to find opportunities in the field.
“Your new contact can be another set of eyes and ears in your job search because when something comes across their desk, they may think of you,” says Eric Wang , associate director of graduate relations.
The initial e-mail should include students’ background information, why the student would like to meet, describe how the student found the graduate’s contact information, and explain that a follow-up call will be made.
“This meeting means more to you than it does to them, so you should be the one to take the initiative and follow up to make the meeting happen,” says Matt DeGrushe, director of career services.
During the 20- to 30-minute meeting, aim to make a positive impression, DeGrushe says. Prepare and deliver a quick statement that summarizes your education, experience and career plans. Research the graduate, ask questions about their background and work, and ask for advice about pursuing a job in their field.
After an informational meeting, students should always follow up with a hand-written thank-you note and continue to keep in touch.
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