Career Treks

Career Treks provide firsthand exposure to employers through field trips or virtual visits.

• They can look like tours, company overviews, and employee presentations
• You will gain insights into daily work, employee backgrounds, and job search experiences 
• Career Treks help you connect what you’re learning in class with real-world experiences to boost your career confidence and readiness.

• Meet and connect with professionals who can support your career journey
• Discover jobs, internships, and other cool ways to gain experience
• Get a feel for what it’s like to work at a company and see if it’s a good fit for you
• Build real-world skills that can help you stand out when applying for jobs or internships

• Transportation from campus in Gainesville to the Career Trek location and back to campus is provided for most Career Treks. You may also meet the group at the trek location, if the employer hosts permit it. 
• For longer treks, some companies provide meals, or you may need to pack a meal or bring money to purchase one. 
• The Career Connections Center will provide a letter documenting your participation in a Career Trek, which you can use to request an excused absence from your instructors for any classes you will miss. Refer to the UF Attendance Policies for more details.
• Review the Career Trek description for details on what to expect and what to bring.  

Learn more about our upcoming Career Treks and apply today!

• All Career Treks require an application and have limited capacity.
• Only currently enrolled UF students, including undergraduate and graduate students, are eligible to participate.
• Some Career Treks may have other requirements, like a specific major or class year, based on the host companies’ preferences or goals.
• To participate in a Career Trek, interested students should apply by the deadline, submit a signed waiver and consent form, and participate in the Pre-Trek Orientation.
• If a Career Trek has reached capacity when you sign up, a waitlist may be available. If you sign up for the waitlist, you will be automatically registered for the Career Trek if another student cancels or space opens otherwise.

Before each Career Trek, the Trek leaders will host a mandatory Pre-Trek orientation meeting to help you prepare for the experience. In this meeting, you will review what to expect and what to bring. We recommend that you review each Career Trek description individually for details as well. 

Check out these resources to help you prepare for your Career Trek.

• Resume Resources – Many Career Treks suggest you bring your resume. Take time to update it and ensure it aligns with your career goals.
  • Use our Resume Template to develop your resume.
  • Review your resume with Quinccia anytime before your Career Trek.
• Networking Resources – During a Career Trek, you’ll have the chance to connect with employer representatives, UF alumni, and other students interested in similar careers as you. Take advantage of this opportunity to build your network!
  • When you meet a new contact or colleague, you may use a Professional Introduction or elevator pitch to share about yourself and your interests and goals.
  • Not sure what to talk about during a networking conversation? Get ideas from our Informational Interview Guide.
  • Navigate professional conversations and learn about following up with new contacts in our Professional Communications Guide.

Career Trek require a significant investment of time and resources by the Career Connections Center and host companies. Participating students must adjust academic, work, and other obligations to ensure they can participate. The University of Florida and host companies incur significant, nonrefundable costs if students do not cancel their registrations in a timely manner or show up at the event. Participating students must complete pre-trek requirements and commit to attending the Career Trek, or responsibly cancel their registrations if plans change, allowing another student to participate.

Additionally, participating students commit to arriving on time, dressing as directed by the Career Connections Center and host companies (e.g., business professional or casual), preparing professionally (e.g., bringing copies of your resume, research the industries and companies, asking thoughtful questions), and following any guidance of Career Connections Center and host company staff during the experience.