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 in order to receive email updates!
(p.s. its a downloadable document so don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t direct you to a different page— it should just download)
application timeline
Exact Dates are Here!!!
February 5th: The application goes LIVE! An announcement will be sent out to our mailing list and on our social media accounts when the application is available. APPLY HERE!!
February 12th: Guide Meet and Greet @ Shack Shack (2647 Orchard Ave, 8:30pm) this is a great time to get to know more of the guide family and hang out at the SCO home base! We hope to see all of you there :)
February 20th: Guide Recruitment Skills Workshop 2:30 - 6:00 pm @ Village Lawn. This is a chance for guide applicants to refresh on some fundamentals, understand what goes into planning an SCO trip, and hang out with other prospective guides. It is not required, but definitely recommended that you attend! You can sign up on the “TRIPS” page.
March 8th @ 11:59 pm: The application is due!!! Please email completed applications as a word doc or PDF to recruitment@scoutfitters.org
include your NAME and Guide Application in the subject line please
TBA: Informal meet-and-greet with current guides and leadership – not mandatory, but definitely recommended! We want to get to know you!
March 23-25 (Monday-Wednesday): First round informal interviews (10 minutes)
March 27-28 (Friday-Saturday): Second round formal interviews (20 minutes)
March 29/30: Applicants will be notified of recruitment decisions
***Please note: We prefer to conduct interviews in person as it gives the recruitment team a more personal sense of each applicant. Please see the FAQs if you are unable to be on campus during either of the interview blocks. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, not all applicants will participate in each interview round. Our Recruitment Director will be in touch with you throughout the application process, and let you know how to proceed at each point.***
recruitment faq
Q. What do SC Outfitter 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 (our training will equip you with the hard skills necessary to lead trips). Most importantly, we want individuals who are passionate about the SC Outfitters mission and excited to share it with the USC community. All USC freshmen, sophomores, and juniors 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 do I do if I am unable to be on campus during the interview periods?
A. We would like to stress the importance of guide interviews being conducted in person. However we recognize that applicants may have other commitments they are unable to reschedule. If you are unable to attend any of the in person interview slots, please reach out to the Recruitment Director as soon as possible in order to schedule a phone or video interview.
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
(p.s. its a downloadable document so don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t direct you to a different page— it should just download)