Startups & Technology 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.****
Northwestern Career Advancement is pleased to announce the 2020 Startups & Technology Trek to the San Francisco Bay area!
The Startup and Technology Trek is an opportunity for students to gain exposure to emerging companies and their work within the technology field within the San Francisco Bay area. Students will be able to visit various organizations while learning from and networking with thought leaders and key Northwestern alumni. Previous participating companies have included Facebook, LinkedIn, Lyft, AirBnB, Thumbtack, Pinterest, and others. The schedule for this year’s trek has not been finalized, but employer details will be updated on the website as site visits are confirmed.
This trek is intended for full-time degree seeking Northwestern undergraduate students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) in one of the following schools/colleges: Bienen, McCormick, Medill, School of Communication, SESP or Weinberg with a demonstrated interest in advertising & marketing. Applicants must be on-campus during Spring quarter (2020).
Don’t miss this opportunity to network with key professionals and position yourself well for a future in technology and start-ups! We hope to see you there!
important dates
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Important Dates
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| TBD |
Application Deadline |
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TBD
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Students are notified of selection via email |
| TBD |
Trek Orientation and Non-Refundable Deposit Due |
| TBD |
Arrive in San Francisco |
| TBD |
Career Trek |
Application
Applications are not being accepted at this time.
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 Jeff Jenkins at Northwestern Career Advancement.
Each selected attendee is expected to cover travel to and from the San Francisco Bay area. 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 the San Francisco Bay area. Students can expect to pay between $20 and $40 each day for food/meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Full-time degree seeking Northwestern undergraduate students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) in one of the following schools/colleges: Bienen, McCormick, Medill, School of Communication, SESP or Weinberg.
In the application, students must show a demonstrated interest in and an understanding of careers in entrepreneurship and technology. In order to be considered for the trek, students must be on campus during Spring Quarter 2020 and available to travel to San Francisco Bay area to participate in the entire trek in August 2020.
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 the San Francisco Bay area, 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 the San Francisco Bay area and submit travel plans to Jeff Jenkins.
- Submit your final revised resume to Jeff Jenkins for inclusion in a Career Trek resume book that will be distributed to all participating employers.
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
- 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/they 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?
NCA will be chartering a bus for travel, but logistics are still being determined. There will be two University staff members leading students with an agenda and travel plan.
If you require special accommodations, please contact Jeff Jenkins 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, but expect to dress in business casual attire. Students can also utilize 'Cats Closet for support in getting business casual attire.
What will be the itinerary in the city?
This information will be made available to selected participants as employers confirm their participation. The final itinerary will be shared with participants in August.
Still have questions?
Please contact Jeff Jenkins from Northwestern Career Advancement.