College career treks provide opportunities for business students to learn about various industries and career options. Perhaps you, like many of your colleagues, were able to extend your learning experience beyond the campus classroom through these faculty-led trips that have become common practice in business curricula. Maybe you traveled to New York to explore Wall Street or maybe you went abroad to explore global opportunities. No doubt you, like Dr. Cox Edmondson who participated in a career trek to New York while in college, found the trip to be one of the most remarkable experiences of your academic career. It may have changed the way you think about business and other cultures. Those fortunate to participate visit companies in small and large groups, hear from successful speakers, participate in networking events, practice their professional skills, and for those who travel internationally, develop global awareness and their cross-cultural competence- all resume building experiences.

If you were not able to participate in a faculty-led travel experience in college due to program costs, academic requirements, etc., then why not take advantage of faculty-led trips in key business areas within and outside of the U.S. that are geared to professionals rather than students? Or maybe you got the travel bug and would like to participate in another travel and learn experience as a professional. You will have the opportunity to meet and network with other professionals who graduated from institutions other than your alma mater or who work at your current firm. Invite your college friends and make it a reunion.

You are responsible for making your travel arrangements to and from the point of contact and familiarizing yourself with the materials prior to arriving at the orientation where you will meet with the faculty who will accompany you while abroad. As business professors and trip leaders, they will help you bridge what you learned in college and in practice with what you learn on the trip.

Programs vary in their design and costs as the faculty work with local representatives to organize meetings with local businesses, guided excursions, your lodging, transportation once at the orientation, as well as some dinners and some lunches. All the details are pre-arranged and offer participants some degree of free time to socialize and explore the areas or just relax. Stay for the entire trip or enter and exit as necessary by simply letting the organizers know of your availability when you register. Refund policies will be posted with each program announcement.

All participants will be expected to:

• secure passports/visas/travel arrangements

• respond to requests prior to deadlines

• provide a professional resume that will be shared with speakers

• research the organizations to be visited ahead of time

• act and dress professionally

• be ON TIME for travel to events

• abide by local laws

Participants who do not meet these expectations will be asked to leave the tour at their own expense.

This experience is led by Dr. Vickie Cox Edmondson and other faculty serving as private individuals. It is not sponsored by or affiliated in any university or college. Check back here for destination announcements.