PARTNERSHIP AIMS TO TURN CAREER DREAMS INTO REALITY
Toreros helping Toreros. As the University of San Diego approaches its 75th anniversary in 2024, the focus is on student success. Professional development is at the heart of this mission, evidenced by a renewed commitment to connect alumni with campus career resources.
The creation of a new position focused solely on alumni career engagement is one immediate outcome of a joint initiative between USD’s Career Development Center and the
Office of Alumni Relations.
“Our new assistant director of alumni career engagement, Amy Brierley, will be charged with bringing fresh ideas and new ways to connect students to alumni, as well as supporting alumni in their professional development,” says Career Development Center Director Robin Darmon. “Lifetime support of our students and alumni is what USD is all about. It’s the heart of our mission. It’s the heart of all that we do in our culture of care. That’s what sets USD apart.”
Over the past few years, alumni engagement with programs such as Torero Treks and the Torero Connections Mentorship has increased. In addition, more alumni have sought out campus resources for personal development, evidenced by an increase in alumni appointments with career staff and the growth in their use of the USD online career platform.
“I’ve seen extremely engaged alumni,” says Darmon. “We partner with the Alumni Relations team to host networking events that bring students and alumni together. And our alumni are loyal; they hire our students.”
For Adobe’s Jeff Vijungco ‘95, vice president of employee experience and talent, remaining connected to USD includes being involved in the professional development of Toreros.
“The primary reason for obtaining an undergraduate degree is for ‘readiness’ for the next phase of life”, says Vijungco (pictured at far left, above). He has personally driven the scouting effort for 30 USD student hires at Adobe over the past three years. “There’s an emotional and visceral connection to helping a fellow Torero, even if you haven’t met formally.’”
For Darmon and Vijungco, it’s this unique Torero relationship that ensures alumni success in ever-changing professional environments. Through this community, career dreams are becoming attainable, and opportunities continue to grow for USD Toreros. — Allyson Meyer ‘16
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