Media Trek
****Due to current university travel restrictions, the Summer 2020 career treks have been cancelled. We hope to resume the NCA trek program in 2021.****
This trip will provide a valuable learning experience in terms of both career exploration and professional development for students interested in the media industry. Students will visit 7-10 organizations during this 2.5-day trip and have an opportunity to network with Northwestern alumni and media professionals. Students will learn more about each organization and develop professional contacts, while conveying their own interest in these areas.
The schedule for this year’s trek is not finalized, but will include many of New York’s top employers in media.
This trek is intended for undergraduates from Bienen, McCormick, Medill, School of Communication, SESP, and Weinberg graduating between December 2020 and August 2023, with a demonstrated interest in media.
important dates
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Important Dates for Summer Media Trek to NY
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| TBD |
Application Deadline |
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TBD
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Students are notified of selection via email |
| TBD |
Career Trek Orientation |
| TBD |
Trek to NY |
Application
Applications are not being accepted yet for the 2020 Media Trek.
Expenses/Costs
Financial assistance may be available to students who currently receive financial aid from Northwestern or have financial need. Participants will have an opportunity to request available funding once selected. If you have questions about financial assistance, please contact Melissa Goethals at Northwestern Career Advancement.
Each selected student will be expected to pay a non-refundable $300.00 deposit. This deposit will be used to cover the cost of hotel rooms for the duration of the trek, transportation around New York and some additional costs (printing of materials, etc.).
Each selected attendee is expected to cover his/her own travel to and from New York City. In addition, each attendee should expect to cover all meals during the trek.
Travel costs will vary by student depending on originating location and whether students plan to drive or fly to New York. Students can expect to pay between $30 and $50 each day for food/meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Northwestern undergraduate students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) from Bienen, McCormick, Medill, School of Communication, SESP, and Weinberg graduating between December 2020 and August 2023 are encouraged to apply. In the application, students must show a demonstrated interest in the media industry. In order to be considered for the trek, students must be available to travel to New York City and attend every site visit.
How many students will be selected for the trek?
We are looking for any qualified student to attend, with a maximum number of 25 attendees.
What are the requirements to participate?
Students who are selected to participate in the trek will be required to complete the following:
- Pay a $300.00 non-refundable deposit; these funds will be used to cover hotel accommodations for all participants, transportation around New York City, and some additional costs. The deposit is due by the date of the Career Trek Orientation in late May (exact date TBD).
- Attend the required Trek Orientation in late May.
- Arrange transportation to and from New York City and submit travel plans to Melissa Goethals.
- Submit bio (includes academic discipline, career interest, why attending the trek) that will be distributed to all participating employers to Melissa Goethals for inclusion in a Student Profiles Packet that will be distributed to all participating employers.
- Complete feedback survey following the trek.
How will the applicants be evaluated?
Applicants will be evaluated based on completeness of application materials, thoughtfulness of application essay and resume, and relevance of applicant background and career goals.
Where will I stay during the trek?
- Northwestern Career Advancement will arrange hotel accommodations for all participants for the nights of (TBD). We ask that students arrive the night before the start of the trek and to prepare for an early-morning start the next day.
- More information on the specific hotel and location will be made available this summer.
- All trek participants are required to stay in the hotel arranged by NCA.
Can I request a roommate?
Yes. If you know someone else attending the trek, you may request to room with him/her/them in the hotel. All requests will be accepted once students are selected for the trek. If you do not request a roommate, one will be assigned.
How will I get around the city?
The Subway and a lot of walking! There will be two University staff members leading students with a detailed map, agenda, and travel plan. Northwestern Career Advancement staff will provide each participant with a New York City MTA MetroCard for use during the trek. Be sure to wear or bring comfortable shoes!
If you require special accommodations, please contact Melissa Goethals from Northwestern Career Advancement.
What should I wear?
Students should be prepared to present themselves in a professional manner at all times during the trek. More information about dress and professional behavior will be covered during the Career Trek Orientation.
What will be the itinerary in the city?
Last year, participants visited 10 employers during the 2.5 day trek. Site visit formats included panels, Q&A, studio/newsroom/office tours, formal presentations, and informal group discussions. Specifics for this year’s trek will be made available to selected participants as employers confirm their participation. The final itinerary will be shared with participants by late August.
Still have questions?