What is a Career Trek?
Career treks give students an opportunity to connect with employers and get insight into an industry or company. They typically consist of a tour, an overview of the company/organization, and an opportunity to hear from current employees about their roles. Students really appreciate genuine conversation about employees’ daily responsibilities and their personal career journey. Common discussions revolve around employees’ initial interests in the company, the industry and the hiring process.
You will work with the Center for Career & Calling/Internship Hub to plan the events and establish expectations.
Saint Martin’s University handles all communication with students about the event and coordinates transportation to and from your company.
We will provide a roster of students the week of the site visit.
The company plans and coordinates what happens when students arrive.
Here are some ideas of what you might want to plan:
- Tour of the workplace/corporate office/lab
- Observe day to day activities
- Opportunities to engage with professions either through a panel or speaker series
- Small hands-on projects or demonstrations
- Networking/Meeting with different departments
- Review organizational vision, mission statements, and company culture
- Presentation on qualities you are looking for in a candidate and how to apply
- Allow time for students to participate in an informational interview or Q & A session
- Refreshments/snacks/lunch/promotional items
- Debrief at the end of the event
Sample agenda/timeline:
10:00am Students Arrive at Location
10:00am to 10:30am Overview of the Company and Organizational Goals
10:30am to 11:00am Tour of Facilities
11:00am to 12:15pm Panel with Leadership, Alumni & Employees
12:15pm to 12:45pm Q & A with Students
12:45pm to 1:00pm Networking and Reception with Staff
Students who participate in a Career Trek will be able to:
- Determine how this experience fits in with their career development plan.
- Identify at least 4 out of the 8 NACE Career Readiness Competencies and tie them back to their experience at the Career Trek.
- Clarify their career goals and assess if this is a career that they wish to pursue.
- Develop a better understanding of all aspects involved in a job. Students can observe not only job characteristics and responsibilities but also what each profession requires on a day-to-day basis.
- Describe the steps involved in seeking employment with your company.
How does this benefit my company?
This is a great opportunity to develop brand recognition among the student body, market your internship and full-time job opportunities, and educate students on your hiring process and timeline. In addition, we actively promote your organization by incorporating your company logo in all promotional materials for the event, including email advertisements, event flyers, and educational materials during the event.
Interested in hosting a Career Trek at your company?
Contact: careers@saintmartin.edu