The Career Connections Database is a Staff Assembly initiative developed by the Rights & Responsibilities Committee to promote peer-to-peer career development among USC employees. This resource connects staff members across departments who are open to conducting informational interviews and offering pro bono coaching.
🌟 What Is It?
The Career Connections Database is a growing network of USC employees who have volunteered to:
- Host informational interviews for colleagues exploring new roles or career paths at USC.
- Learn more about Informational Interviews
- Provide pro bono coaching and professional development support.
- This initiative fosters a supportive campus culture by encouraging career growth and cross-departmental collaboration.
💡 How Is It Helpful?
- Explore Career Paths: Discover how others at USC have navigated their careers.
- Build Your Network: Connect with colleagues across departments and roles.
- Receive Guidance: Gain insights from peers who’ve faced similar challenges.
- Offer Support: Share your own experience by becoming a coach or interview host.
🔧 How Does It Work?
- Access the Database and Form
– Use your @usc.edu email to log in via Shibboleth authentication. - Browse the Database
– Visit the Microsoft List on the Staff Assembly SharePoint to view available informational interviews and coaching. - Join the Database
– Complete the Microsoft Form to add your name. You’ll be asked to provide:
– Your name and email address
– One or two functional areas you’re open to discussing
– Additional skills or tools you can speak about (e.g., Qualtrics, Salesforce, Project Management)
– Relevant schools, departments, or industries you’ve worked in - Update or Remove Your Info
– To make changes or remove your listing, email staffassembly@usc.edu. You can rejoin at any time.
🤝 About Coaching and the Coaches
What Coaching Is (and Isn’t)
Coaching is a confidential, supportive, and forward-focused partnership. It helps you:
- Clarify goals
- Build self-awareness
- Take meaningful action
Coaching is not therapy, counseling, or consulting. It’s not about fixing problems or giving advice. Instead, it’s a thought-provoking process that empowers you to find your own solutions and take ownership of your growth.
Who Are the Coaches?
The coaches in this database are fellow USC employees who have completed a coach training program accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF)—the global standard for professional coaching. They are working toward ICF credentials, which require:
- Demonstrated coaching experience
- Adherence to a professional code of ethics
- Ongoing supervision and development
Each coach has committed to offering up to five pro bono sessions per client.
Coaching Agreement
To begin coaching:
- Reach out to a coach listed in the database to confirm availability.
- Both coach and client must sign a coaching agreement, which outlines:
– The purpose of coaching
– Mutual responsibilities
– Session logistics
– Confidentiality terms
The coach will provide this agreement to ensure a clear, structured, and safe coaching experience.