Application and FAQs
The Career Treks program brings students into the workplaces of alumni and friends in order to expose them to potential career paths and broaden their understanding of industries. The program leverages LMU’s well-positioned and successful alumni who are excited to share their insights and personal career stories with students. Participants engage with LMU graduates around specific interests through targeted learning, conversation, and informal networking.
- Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Costs
Costs vary by city. Students contribute up to $300 for domestic treks. The cost for international treks is higher than domestic treks, and varies by destination.
The Trek fee goes toward students' hotel accommodations, ground transportation, sight-seeing related costs, and meals. Accepted students will be responsible for covering their own air transportation. We invite students to extend their stay if desired for the purposes of informational interviewing, graduate school visits, or exploration.
Scholarships are available. There is a section in the Career Trek application you may complete if you are requesting a scholarship.
Application Information
All undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in exploring various companies and the roles available within are encouraged to apply. We also seek applicants who have a strong desire to network with alumni, peers, and LMU staff while exploring a new city.
Interested students are highly encouraged to attend an information session prior to applying for a specific Trek. Please see the webpage of the Trek in which you are interested for information session details as well as visit Handshake to RSVP.
To apply students must complete a brief online form and submit a resume and 1-2 minute video. Please see the Treks application page for more information.
Preparing for Treks
- Consult Career and Professional Development’s Resume Guide when preparing your resume for submission
- Prepare to connect and network with alumni by polishing your LinkedIn profile
- Prepare to network with alumni by viewing Career and Professional Development’s Informational Interviews page
Spring Break Trek Application Deadlines
What is the deadline?
Applications are due Sunday evening, January 29, 2024.
When will I hear back?
Responses will be sent out by Friday evening, February 3, 2024.
How many students will be accepted for each Career Trek?
We will accept up to 20 students on the Spring Break 2024 Career Trek.
GENERAL FAQ
When will future Trek applications be available?
The fall semester Trek application will be live by the beginning of the fall semester, and the spring semester Trek applications will be live by the end of the fall semester. We encourage you to follow us on and check here frequently for updates.
What do you look for in an applicant?
We look for applicants who are professional, open minded, curious, positive, adaptable, and team players. Treks are best suited for students who are interested in exploring a variety of companies and organizations and the roles within, not necessarily students focused on one specific company, career, or industry. We also seek students who are eager to connect and network with alumni and peers.
What will we do during the Trek?
Each Trek's itinerary varies, but the overall trip will consist of employer site visits, some sightseeing, a networking reception with alumni, and chances to connect with alumni informally at meals, etc. We make the most of each Trek day!
What types of companies will we visit and what happens during company visits?
Company visits will vary by Trek, and the final itinerary will be shared with participating students in the weeks prior to the Trek. The companies and alumni will reflect a variety of industries and positions.
Examples of past visits include:
Bay Area: Airbnb, Facebook, Google, Salesforce, Stanford University, Tesla, Uber
New York City: Amazon, Deutsche Bank, Etsy, Johnson & Johnson, The Lincoln Center, Morgan Stanley, Radio City Music Hall, Richard Rogers Theater (Hamilton musical), Roundabout Theatre Company, Spotify, Twitter
Washington, DC: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Center for American Progress, Department of State, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Peace Corps
The site visit agenda will vary by company, but could include a tour, company overview, panel and Q&A session with various alumni and their colleagues, and/or a hosted meal.
Are the companies we visit recruiting students?
Participating in a Career Trek will allow you to network in-person with alumni and employers at a variety of companies and organizations. These connections may lead to internship or job leads in the future; for example, past Trek participants have landed internships and jobs as a result of their individual follow-up with the connections they made during the Trek. However, we clearly state to our alumni and employer hosts that there is not a recruitment expectation.
The goal of the Career Trek program is exploration and networking - to expose students to potential career paths within different companies and organizations, and to connect them with alumni and friends at those employers.
Will I have free time?
Yes! Each Trek has a full itinerary in order to take advantage of our time in the destination city. There is usually one free evening, though that is not guaranteed. There is also some down time in between company visits and activities for resting or exploration.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. There is a section in the Career Trek application you may complete if you are requesting a scholarship.
Am I eligible to apply?
Career Treks that occur during the fall and spring semesters are open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
What are the requirements for Trek participants?
- Attend a pre-Trek workshop to review the Trek itinerary, transportation, and trip guidelines
- Book your air travel for arrival in destination city by stated date and time.
- Attend the entirety of the Career Trek and stay with the group in the arranged hotel accommodations.
- Polish and refine your resume for inclusion in a resume book that will be distributed to all participating employers.
- Complete an evaluation survey following the completion of the Trek.
- For international Career Treks, there are additional requirements that will be communicated to participants.
How will I be prepared for the Trek?
Participating students are required to attend a pre-Trek workshop that will cover expectations, how to network with alumni and other individuals you can expect to meet, and more.
Where will I stay during the Trek?
Career and Professional Development will arrange hotel accommodations for the duration of the Trek. Participating students are required to stay in the hotel with the group. Should you choose to extend your time in the Trek city you will be responsible for your accommodations.
How will I get around the city?
This will vary by city. Students will mainly use public transportation in addition to walking. Career and Professional Development will provide specific instructions and guidance for each Trek.
What should I wear?
Students should be prepared to present themselves in a professional manner at all times during the Trek. We recommend business professional attire. Please see the section of Career and Professional Development’s website for further guidance. CPD will provide additional guidance to Trek participants.
What is the itinerary for the Trek?
The final itinerary will be shared with participants in the weeks before the Trek.
I've applied, what happens next?
You can expect to be notified of your application status the week following the application deadline. Accepted students will receive details regarding booking travel, how to pay the Trek fee, and the pre-Trek workshop.
Student Feedback
“I came with the intention to have a different outlook or shift in the direction of what career field to go in and did receive clarity on my future plans”
“This was exactly what I needed. It was a positive personal and professional experience. So many of my uncertainties were silenced. I am better because of this experience.”
“I loved being exposed to different aspects of the industry but more importantly connecting with young alumni”
“I have made some amazing friends from both sides of my career interests. I’m also super motivated to stumble across opportunities and find my way”