BEST Award

The monthly BEST Award is bestowed to a leader at the Manager to Senior Associate Director levels who create the best USC experience by delivering exceptional leadership in advancing their departments through program/project execution, building thriving teams, or customer impact. Nominate Here

What are BEST Awards?

The BEST Award will be awarded to leaders (managers – Senior AD) who Create the Best USC Experience by delivering exceptional leadership in program/project management, team development, or customer impact.  Assistant Managers may be nominated in this category if they meet the criteria. Any employee can nominate leaders, and one leader will be selected.

The Executive Committee will vote to select the winner. Winners will receive a certificate trophy, recognition in all Experience Awards communications, and an invitation to year-end celebration.

Mentorship

Last year, I shared with my manager, Tommy, that I was interested in an administrative position in Finance. This is very different from my current job as a GSR in food services. Tommy was very supportive and gave me great advice. Since then, Tommy has taken more time to explain processes to me and has given me some suggestions on courses I can take in TrojanLearn and has coached me. I completed a resume writing course and took several courses on Excel to strengthen my knowledge of spreadsheets, creating formulas, etc. in Trojan Learn. This has really boosted my confidence and I felt like Tommy cares about me and my goals. A few weeks ago, Tommy told me about an entry level position in Finance in another business unit that he thought I might be interested in. With Tommy’s support, I applied, interviewed, and landed the job! I have never had a boss to take such a personal interest in my career development. Tommy is a great leader and has been a great support to me and I know to others.

How are BEST Awards evaluated?

Auxiliary Services’ Executive Committee evaluates BEST Award entries. These individuals represent our most senior leaders and have many years of collective experience at USC. BEST Award entries are evaluated on several criteria:

  1. Reviewers want to know how the individual exemplifies and embodies the identified behavior or traits. Example(s) must be included.
  2. Evidence that the individual is committed to the student experience or workplace environment.
  3. Evidence of a link between the University and Auxiliary Services.