In May 2023, I had the opportunity to attend the Silicon Valley CONNECT trip to the San Francisco Bay Area with 29 other Binghamton University students. The CONNECT trip, led by the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development and the Office of Alumni Engagement, included Employer Treks to six tech companies and an Employer Networking Night. The CONNECT trip was an incredible experience that allowed me to network with knowledgeable Binghamton alumni, visit innovative tech companies, and get a taste of life on the West Coast.
The Silicon Valley CONNECT trip is one of a few different CONNECT trips offered. There are also visits to New York City, Washington, D.C., and Boston, each with its own impressive collection of companies and alumni eager to share their experiences with interested students. This year, the West Coast CONNECT trip will take place in Los Angeles from May 13-17, 2024. The attendees of this year’s CONNECT trip will undoubtedly take away many valuable lessons in career development and networking from their experiences in the program.
Students who attend the CONNECT Program can learn a lot about career exploration and gain insight into the many types of career paths that they can take. They can expect to learn from the following experiences:
Meeting other students and learning about their major and career development
Upon arriving in San Francisco, I met other Binghamton students participating in the program from all different majors and backgrounds. It was exciting to experience such an amazing opportunity with a group of fellow students who were as engaged and eager to learn as I was. Plus, it was inspiring to hear each student’s unique experience and I found that everyone wanted to see each other succeed and make the most out of the trip. The students I met throughout the weeklong program shared stories and advice from their own career exploration and experiences that were helpful to hear as a student unsure of my own career goals.
Touring company offices and learning what a day in the life looks like working there
Over three days, we attended six Employer Treks with visits to major tech companies, including Handshake, PricewaterhouseCoopers, NVIDIA, Cisco, Google, and Tesla. At each stop, our group received a tour of the office and met with Binghamton alumni who work at the company. We learned about the companies’ structure, culture, and values, and participated in a Q&A session with a panel of employees to hear their first hand experiences and advice for students. It was fascinating to hear about how their career path took them from Binghamton to their current positions in the Bay Area at some of the top tech companies in the world. Touring the offices and getting to see the massive, modern spaces where employees work, meet, dine, and socialize was also extremely impressive.
Seeing the sights of the Bay Area
In between Employer Treks, the group was able to experience many Bay Area sights and gain an overview of living in the area. For example, we visited the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Alcatraz Island, downtown San Francisco, Pier 39 (with dozens of sea lions), and of course, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge! These recreational activities and sightseeing supplemented the trip and helped us to develop a more comprehensive understanding of life in the Bay Area.
Attending a unique employer networking event
At the midway point of the trip, our group attended Employer Networking Night at a local restaurant. There, we connected with a group of Bay Area Binghamton alumni, many of whom we had met on the Employer Treks, who were excited to share their wisdom with students. This served as a wonderful opportunity to speak with alumni who were genuinely invested in Binghamton students’ success and draw inspiration from their stories. I took away valuable career advice from the conversations I had at this event and was able to speak more in-depth with alumni that I had met at the Employer Treks and wanted to get to know further. Attending this event sharpened my networking skills and made me more confident in interacting with professionals.
Communicating in a professional manner
Being able to properly communicate with employees is an important skill that students must be proficient in to make the most out of the Employer Treks. It is critical to have a polished elevator pitch, research the companies, and have a list of questions prepared to ask alumni. Students will be making use of these practices during both the Employer Treks and Networking Night when introducing themselves and speaking with professionals. Being able to communicate professionally will make a positive first impression and allow the conversation to be productive for both the student and the alumnus.
Following up with new connections
The CONNECT Program provides valuable opportunities for meeting alumni, but maintaining the connection afterward is just as important. Students should consider reaching out to their new connections and continuing to maintain and build positive relationships with them. The alumni will have valuable career advice and new ideas to share with students, and they will also be excited to learn about students’ skills, experiences, and career goals. Following up with alumni after meeting them to thank them for their time can foster the connections made and ensure that they will continue beyond just the Employer Treks and Networking Night.
The CONNECT Program is an enriching opportunity for career development and can aid in students’ exploration of different majors and career paths. It is a unique opportunity for Binghamton University students to connect with the school’s thriving network of alumni that are eager to share their work experiences, office culture, and career advice. Attendees can be certain that they will take away valuable skills and experiences, no matter their major or intended career goals.
