BECOME AN SCO GUIDE!
the guide recruitment process
Thank you for your interest in becoming a guide! If you’re here, you’re already taking your first steps towards joining the SCO guide team. This page will be your primary resource for all things recruitment related — please check back regularly as we update it throughout the semester! Also, make sure you join our mailing list to receive email updates!
our new guide application has officially closed!
Recruitment timeline:
February 21st applications open
March 6th trip reveal at 8:30pm in SOS B4
March 6th current guides and prospective guide meet n’ greet 9:30pm at 1302 W 35th Street.
Sunday, March 24th, applications due at 11:59 pm!!
April 2nd-4th informal interviews (sign-ups emailed to applicants)
April 12th-14th formal interviews
April 17th or 18th evening secret event for new guides
recruitment faq
Q. What do SC Outfitters guides…do?
A. Guides are at the core of our organization – without guides, there are no trips, and no SC Outfitters. Guides plan, organize, and lead our monthly trips, as well as dedicate extra time to events and projects that further our mission.
Q. What are you looking for in applicants?
A. Our guides come from a diverse background of skills and experience levels. However, planning and leading trips require a level of personal responsibility not necessarily demanded of a participant – perhaps the biggest distinction between the two components of our organization. We’re looking for students who are comfortable leaders and will commit the time and energy to delivering our organization to its full potential. None of this requires extensive experience in the backcountry, just a passion for the outdoors. Most importantly, we want individuals who are passionate about the SC Outfitters mission and excited to share it with the USC community. Any USC students who will graduate in Fall 2024 or later are welcome to apply.
Q. What level of commitment is required for guides?
A. Guides are expected to attend bi-weekly meetings, fall and spring leadership retreats, and lead a minimum of three days of trips per semester. New guides must also complete training during their first fall semester, typically an extra hour a week before regular meetings. Strong applicants will be excited about the program and unconcerned about meeting the minimum requirements.
Q. Can I apply for the fall semester if I am currently abroad?
A. Yes! While new guides are selected in the spring, their commitment does not begin until the following fall. Our Recruitment Director will coordinate with you throughout the application process, and interviews will be conducted by video or phone.
Q. What about if I will be abroad next fall?
A. Because new guide training is conducted in the fall, we recommend applicants studying abroad in the upcoming fall semester wait a year.
Q. What if I’m a master’s or Phd or med student?
A. We encourage any current USC students to apply if interested, regardless of the program you are in.
Q. What if I want to apply but have never been on a SCO trip before?
A. Qualified applicants are always welcome to apply, even if you have not had the chance to go on a trip yet. If this is you, we just ask that you spend some time going through our website, attending any events we have (like trip reveal or our guide meet & greet) , and making sure you have a good knowledge of the club and what we would ask of you as a guide before applying.
Q: What happens if I’m not invited to be a guide?
A. Unfortunately, we have to turn away qualified applicants every year. Applicants are welcome to re-apply the following year – several of our current guides were asked to re-apply before being accepted. In the meantime, we encourage applicants to continue to go on trips and remain a valued part of the SCO community.
If you have any questions not answered here, please don’t hesitate to email us at recruitment@scoutfitters.org