USC's Student Government held Key Week last week to offer help for students in their professional careers.
Key Week, which stands for "KNOWLEDGE EMPOWERS YOU," consisted of four events throughout the week.
The last time Key Week was held was in 2019 under former Student Body Vice President Sophie Davish. Current Student Body Vice President Emily Dengler said the 2019 event was the first time "something like this kind of happened."
"So I think it's something that all students can relate to and take a part in. We have so many great resources on campus that most students aren't aware of, so this is really like bringing light to all those different things," Dengler said.
Key Week featured pre-professional organizations on Greene Street on Oct. 21 for students to learn about. One of the organizations present was the Medex Academy Club of USC, an internship program meant to support those interested in a medical career.
Dengler reached out to the group to table on Greene Street, according to third-year biochemistry student Karen Nicodemus, an ambassador for the program.
"I think it's a great opportunity. I really love that we have events like this. I know like Wofford and all the little smaller schools don't have these types of events where you can just walk down the street and get some awesome opportunities handed to you," Nicodemus said.
Key Week held Advice With A Slice on Oct. 18. The Career Center answered students' questions and gave them a slice of pizza. According to Dengler, 200 students showed for the event and the group manning it ran out of pizza.
The Carolina Closet, which offers free business clothes for students, was also present on Greene Street Oct. 19 as part of Key Week. Those with a valid Carolina Card can pick five pieces of clothing and exchange them throughout the year.
Jaden Caughman, a third-year social work student and member of student senate, was helping run the Carolina Closet event. She said members of the student senate helped run the events.
"It's actually been really good today. A lot of people have came and gotten stuff — girls and guys — which is good, and we are kind of emptying out a little bit," Caughman said.
Caughman said some students who visited the stand didn't know about Carolina Closet beforehand. She said one of the goals of Key Week and future events is to let students know what resources are available to them.
Dengler said she believed student government events in the past have primarily been aimed at members of student government.
"That's why I thought this event would be a great one to kind of kickstart my initiative and goal to bring the rest of the student body into events that we put on because they are for everyone, and I thought this was something no matter what your major is no matter what kind of corner of campus you're in, everyone can relate to professional development everyone can use these resources," Dengler said.
Key Week was the first big program Dengler performed as student body vice president. She said her office is focusing on mental health and educating students on what resources are available to them at USC and in the Columbia area.
"That's something that particularly in my office is kind of getting together all that information right now and really work on the best way to share that with the student body," Dengler said.