13 answers
1
Question
Asked
423 views
What are some clubs/programs I can apply for to gain leadership skills?
I'm an incoming freshman at USC and I'm eager to get a head start by joining clubs or programs that can help me gain overall exposure in the field I plan on studying in (accounting) during the first semester and other related skills needed for the world of finance.
Login to comment
13 answers
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Here are some great tips to help you start building and growing your network:
1) Join the accounting club.
2) Look for job or industry-focused groups like fraternities or sororities.
3) Connect with your professors, as they might have useful industry contacts.
These are just the first steps. Once you make initial connections, keep in touch regularly to strengthen your network. By your junior or senior year, you'll have a solid network to reach out to for job opportunities.
You've got this, and I'm sure these steps will lead you to success!
1) Join the accounting club.
2) Look for job or industry-focused groups like fraternities or sororities.
3) Connect with your professors, as they might have useful industry contacts.
These are just the first steps. Once you make initial connections, keep in touch regularly to strengthen your network. By your junior or senior year, you'll have a solid network to reach out to for job opportunities.
You've got this, and I'm sure these steps will lead you to success!
Updated
Chen’s Answer
Hi! Happy to answer this question.
Big fours offer freshman and Sophmore internships as well! Those pilor internships provides rotational experiences and are built for young college students. I joined accounting clubd in collge and it was super helpful. You should seek if there is accounting clubs in USC.
Hope this helps!
Big fours offer freshman and Sophmore internships as well! Those pilor internships provides rotational experiences and are built for young college students. I joined accounting clubd in collge and it was super helpful. You should seek if there is accounting clubs in USC.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
I was also an accounting major, and there were tons of opportunities to get involved and hold leadership roles during college. At my university, there were 2 organizations specifically that I got involved in - Beta Alpha Psi and AIM Accounting Alliance. The options are your university may be different, but I bet there are a few organizations for accounting. Beta Alpha Psi is a national organization, so it may be an option. There may also be a organization fair day where they are set up advertising for membership in the business building, and I would encourage you to go and see all options. You can also start your own organization if there isn't one that fits what you are looking for. In general, there will be lots of opportunities to get involved. These organizations usually have great relationships with companies, such as Big 4, as well. Good luck!!
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Think about joining a Toastmasters club. They help you improve your public speaking, which is a key skill for being a good leader.
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
I think in addition to seeking out specific clubs, it can be good to focus on what kind of role/experience you can engage in within the club. Whatever the subject matter is, if you're able to demonstrate professional/leadership skills and experience, or hold a position with a title that easily bring to mind the type of work you did (ex. Treasurer) that will be helpful to you. If there are opportunities to network and/or demonstrate your ability to connect with others, even better!
Updated
Shay’s Answer
Hello! It would be fantastic to apply for programs offered by your business school. Many schools host organization fairs at the start of the semester to introduce you to all the available groups. You can attend their sessions to learn more about how they help students and the community.
Updated
Victor’s Answer
Top Campus Organizations at USC
Here are a few highly regarded clubs you should definitely look into applying for during your first semester:
You should join the USC Accounting Society (AS): This is the perfect starting point for Leventhal students. You will get immediate exposure to the major accounting firms through networking events, firm tours, and speaker panels.
You can apply for the Trojan Investing Society (TIS) "Leaders" Program: TIS is arguably the biggest finance organization on campus. Their "Leaders" program is highly sought after and pairs underclassmen with mentors who will guide you through the basics of finance and investment banking.
You can explore the Global Investment Society (GIS) Academy: Similar to TIS, GIS offers a fantastic mentorship and training program tailored for younger students where you will learn the foundations of investment research and financial modeling.
You will want to check out Los Angeles Community Impact (LACI) or 180 Degrees Consulting: If you want to build pure leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, joining a consulting club is incredibly helpful. You will work in student teams to solve real-world business problems for nonprofits or local businesses.
You can plan to pledge Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) later on: Keep this premier international honors organization for accounting and finance on your radar. While you might not be able to officially join your very first semester, you can start attending their public events right away to network with their student leaders.
You should apply for "Big 4" Freshman Leadership Programs: The largest accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG) offer highly competitive, multi-day summer leadership programs and externships (like KPMG's Embark Scholars or PwC's Elevate) specifically designed for freshmen and sophomores. You can apply during your first year to gain direct exposure to public accounting and drastically improve your chances of securing a junior-year internship.
You can join Scholars of Finance (SOF): This is a rapidly growing national organization that focuses on moral leadership in the financial sector. You can participate in their 6-week program specifically for freshmen, which provides a comprehensive overview of the finance industry and pairs you with finance professionals for mentorship.
You can explore one-day virtual discovery programs: Many respected mid-tier accounting firms (like Aprio, Grant Thornton, or BDO) offer one-day "resume booster" programs in the spring. You can participate in these virtual events to start building a network of recruiters without a massive time commitment during your busy second semester.
Here are a few highly regarded clubs you should definitely look into applying for during your first semester:
You should join the USC Accounting Society (AS): This is the perfect starting point for Leventhal students. You will get immediate exposure to the major accounting firms through networking events, firm tours, and speaker panels.
You can apply for the Trojan Investing Society (TIS) "Leaders" Program: TIS is arguably the biggest finance organization on campus. Their "Leaders" program is highly sought after and pairs underclassmen with mentors who will guide you through the basics of finance and investment banking.
You can explore the Global Investment Society (GIS) Academy: Similar to TIS, GIS offers a fantastic mentorship and training program tailored for younger students where you will learn the foundations of investment research and financial modeling.
You will want to check out Los Angeles Community Impact (LACI) or 180 Degrees Consulting: If you want to build pure leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, joining a consulting club is incredibly helpful. You will work in student teams to solve real-world business problems for nonprofits or local businesses.
You can plan to pledge Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) later on: Keep this premier international honors organization for accounting and finance on your radar. While you might not be able to officially join your very first semester, you can start attending their public events right away to network with their student leaders.
Victor recommends the following next steps:
Victor had a great answer! I did not go to USC but I do know that the University of Texas had an investment club where members would join and learn about market conditions and invest in real time to get exposure to the market. That could be a great opportunity to learn more about how stocks are valued and catalysts in the market.
I also would recommend looking for a job on campus that has a component of accounting/finance to it. For example during my time in college there were opportunities for students to take on the cash management of recreational club sports. This could be a great time to get real world experience while also showcasing your ability to work part time while being in school.
Hassaan Kradiya, CPA
Updated
Jack’s Answer
Hi there! Even though I went to ASU and not USC, I was part of a couple of great groups that really helped me start my career, especially in business. You might want to see if USC has similar organizations:
1. Student Lead Consulting Group: At ASU, we had the New Venture Group, a student-led consulting "firm" on campus. In the first half of the year, we learned about consulting and professional services like advisory and auditing through case studies and meetings. The second half was even more exciting because we worked on real consulting projects with startups and other companies for free. I gained valuable experience in different industries, which was great for interviews. Plus, I made lifelong friends here, and it played a big role in landing my current job.
2. Business Ambassadors: This group helped us develop leadership skills by organizing meetings and events for prospective students and their families. We shared information about the business school and gave campus tours, which boosted my confidence in public speaking. We also had events with guest speakers from various companies, which was super helpful and educational.
1. Student Lead Consulting Group: At ASU, we had the New Venture Group, a student-led consulting "firm" on campus. In the first half of the year, we learned about consulting and professional services like advisory and auditing through case studies and meetings. The second half was even more exciting because we worked on real consulting projects with startups and other companies for free. I gained valuable experience in different industries, which was great for interviews. Plus, I made lifelong friends here, and it played a big role in landing my current job.
2. Business Ambassadors: This group helped us develop leadership skills by organizing meetings and events for prospective students and their families. We shared information about the business school and gave campus tours, which boosted my confidence in public speaking. We also had events with guest speakers from various companies, which was super helpful and educational.
Updated
Mayur’s Answer
Hi Julie,
I’m not too familiar with clubs or programs specific to USC, but I would recommend a mix of the following types of involvement:
1. Join a business fraternity such as Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), which provides a strong balance of social and professional development opportunities.
2. Join a top finance club at USC. I graduated from the University of Florida, where we had the Gator Student Investment Fund. In that program, students were allocated funds and made investment decisions based on defined strategies and due diligence analysis.
3. I would also highly recommend serving as a teaching assistant for a professor with prior Big 4 accounting experience, as this can provide valuable exposure and connections that may help you secure an internship in the future.
I’m not too familiar with clubs or programs specific to USC, but I would recommend a mix of the following types of involvement:
1. Join a business fraternity such as Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), which provides a strong balance of social and professional development opportunities.
2. Join a top finance club at USC. I graduated from the University of Florida, where we had the Gator Student Investment Fund. In that program, students were allocated funds and made investment decisions based on defined strategies and due diligence analysis.
3. I would also highly recommend serving as a teaching assistant for a professor with prior Big 4 accounting experience, as this can provide valuable exposure and connections that may help you secure an internship in the future.
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
It is important to join a club that interests you. Additionally, taking a leadership role in the club will help you to learn leadership skills and gives you some experience that employers are looking for. I would also add that joining a club and sticking with it is important. Employers are looking for someone who is passionate about something, takes an active role in leading that passion and sticks with it for years. Good luck and have fun!
Updated
Allie’s Answer
Try joining clubs or programs that match your interest in accounting, like business fraternities. Also, explore clubs related to your other hobbies, such as cooking, sports, or book clubs. In these groups, you might meet people who share your school interests too.
Updated
Dranreb’s Answer
To develop leadership skills, I suggest joining a school club and aiming for a spot on the executive board. I joined the accounting club, Beta Alpha Psi, and served on its executive board. This role gave me practical leadership experience and helped me build soft skills useful in the workplace. The most valuable skill I gained was people management. Throughout your career, you'll manage workflows, teams, and client relationships. Joining an executive board is a great way for students to kickstart their careers.
Updated
Dana’s Answer
Focus on clubs that you’re passionate about and will be excited to be a leader within. The topic of the club is less important than the impact you’ve created!