The Career Advantage Program (CAP), offered through the Marshall Undergraduate Career Services Office, is a mentorship program designed to help Marshall and Leventhal undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors strengthen their professional development and career readiness.

Students accepted into CAP are paired with a USC Marshall alumnus or friend of the university who mentors a small group of students throughout the academic year. Through regular conversations, professional development activities, and networking opportunities, mentors help students build the skills and confidence needed for career success.

Each year, 360+ students and 130+ mentors from across business disciplines participate in CAP.

CAP is hosted on USC Marshall Connections, the school’s professional networking platform for students and alumni. Students may create a Marshall Connections account at any time, but access to the CAP group and participation in the mentor–mentee matching process is granted only after students are accepted into the program.

Important Notes

For Students:

The CAP application for the 2026–2027 academic year will be open April 1 – May 1, 2026. CAP is a competitive program, and eligible students are not guaranteed a mentor match.

Students who previously participated in CAP must reapply each year, and returning students do not receive preferential admission.

2026–2027 Student Timeline

• April 1, 2026 – CAP application opens. Eligible Marshall and Leventhal undergraduate majors will receive an email from the CAP team with program details and instructions on how to apply. 
• May 1, 2026 – Student application deadline. 
• Week of June 8th – Students notified of their eligibility to participate in the mentor–mentee matching process. 

Please note: Eligibility does not guarantee a mentor match.

For Mentors:

CAP mentors help students build professional, networking, and career preparation skills.

Mentor Requirements

Mentors should:

• Have at least 3 years of professional work experience 
• Preferably located in Southern California
• Mentor at least 2 students 
• Commit approximately 5 hours per month during the academic year 
• Attend two required CAP events 

We welcome professionals from fields including:

Accounting, advertising, consulting, data analytics, entertainment/media, entrepreneurship, finance, general management, hospitality, law, marketing, tech, real estate, and sports management.

USC alumni and friends of the university are encouraged to participate.

If you are interested in becoming a CAP mentor, please contact:
CAPmentoring@marshall.usc.edu

Note: New mentor spaces are limited.