Author: Abbey Burgess
“Attending a Career Trek gave me firsthand insight into aspects of the industry that I hadn’t seen before. Learning about what employers look for in candidates helps me understand how my skills and education align with real-world jobs,” said Nyx Stark, a student here at UNC Charlotte, when asked about their experience and the benefits of attending one of the Career Center’s Career Treks. Nyx participated in the trek to TIAA, an insurance company with offices in Charlotte, where they could see the company's behind-the-scenes, engage with employees, ask questions, and make connections within the profession.
That is exactly what the Career Center’s Career Treks are: opportunities for students to connect with and learn about different companies and the careers that they offer. Some notable companies that the Career Center has visited with students in the past include American Airlines, McColl Center, Charlotte Ballet, MSC Industrial, and TIAA, the one that Nyx attended. With such a wide variety of locations visited, there is an opportunity for every student at UNC Charlotte.
Continuing to talk to Nyx, we can learn more about their experience and what they got from the Career Trek. First, we asked Nyx how they learned about the Career Trek, as it is important to understand our outreach.
“I first learned about the Trek program through my partner, who is a TA for the CCI
learning community, which frequently participates in Career Treks.” Nyx wrote, adding that hearing about their partner’s experiences and networking opportunities encouraged them to look into joining the treks themselves. Word of mouth is important, as students share their Trek experiences amongst classmates and friends, encouraging others to join in the future.
We then asked Nyx for any advice for students on how to prepare for a Career Trek, as preparation is an important part of any networking event. Nyx remarked that they put a huge emphasis on researching the company before attending the Trek. They added that they also came up with a list of questions about different topics they are interested in, such as internships and post-graduate opportunities that the company offers. The last piece of advice offered was to dress professionally and bring a notebook for notes, anything students may want to use to record information. The Career Center also suggests that students bring several copies of their resume and recommends that students practice their 30-second elevator pitch, further encouraging networking and solidifying their brand.
“Career Treks provide a unique chance to speak with professionals in a more personal setting than a job fair. By introducing myself to company representatives and asking thoughtful questions, I’m able to make connections that could be valuable in the future.”
The biggest impact on career development seems to be the professional connections that are made possible through site visits and learning directly from employees within a company. Nyx stated, “Seeing workplace environments and learning directly from professionals has helped me refine my career goals. While they are just one piece of the puzzle, Career Treks provide valuable insights that help me make informed career decisions.” Career Treks are one piece of the “professional puzzle” like Nyx says, but an important one nonetheless. Giving students the opportunity to network within an industry they are interested in is invaluable, especially today.
Wrapping up, Nyx left us with their final thoughts, including suggestions for follow-up opportunities for those who go on Treks, to increase their connections and the strength of said connections. They also discussed utilizing other Career Center resources, such as resume critique drop-ins and Hire-A-Niner, helping them to prepare for their future career further.
“Career Treks are an amazing way to explore industries, ask questions, and connect with professionals. I highly encourage other students to take advantage of them – you never know what opportunities might come from the experience!”
We could not agree more!
Thank you to Nyx for agreeing to help us with this article. We appreciate their help and wish them the best as they embark on their professional career!