<p>I am applying to grad schools (Urban Planning) and USC is near the top of my list. I think I can get in- and perhaps get half-tuition- and I'd love to go there. How true is the "other USC alum take care of you" stuff I hear? Does it actually, really help you get hired?</p>
<p>YES! I have heard of many examples of that here in Orange County. But I'm sure it helps if you stay in CA to look for a job because there will be more chances of finding a fellow Trojan.</p>
<p>I think it definitely is true. While I was standing in line for a flight at LAX, I ended up talking to the man next to me who happened to be a USC alumnus. We talked for a while, and even though I told him I was on a pre-med track, he gave me his business card and told me that if I ever wanted to go on a pre-law route (fits more with my history major), I should feel free to give him a call and he'd offer me an internship! Problem is, I'm not going to be pre-law... but it was still a nice gesture! :)</p>
<p>anywhere there's a fellow trojan, you can more or less count on being taken care of...</p>
<p>i'm on the east coast. my mom went to usc. one of our neighbors proudly hangs his sc flag over his garage, and after talking with him for a few minutes, my mother found out that happens to be in my field. he made some calls... and i now have a guaranteed internship (and a mentor!) for the next few years.</p>