This May, more than 40 students from the College of Arts and Sciences traveled to Atlanta for a Career Trek that combined career exploration, professional networking, and hands-on experiences across industries. 

This year’s Atlanta Career Trek marked the first time the program combined its three focus areas into one experience: business and technology, science and health, and arts and media. This new format gave students the opportunity to explore a broader range of career paths while also connecting with other students. 

By bringing these groups together, the trek created a strong sense of community. Students built relationships with classmates they may not have otherwise met, forming connections that can continue to support them long after graduation, regardless of the career paths they choose. 

Students visited organizations including Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Warner Bros. Discovery, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Grady Hospital, and more. These visits gave students an inside look at these companies, daily operations, and the wide range of careers within each. 

For many students, stepping inside these companies changed how they viewed their own futures. 

“Before the trip, careers in large companies felt distant and almost intimidating to me. But after walking through those spaces and speaking directly with the people behind the work, they started to feel real and possible,” said An Tran. 

Students across the science and health fields found value in seeing how their academic work translates into real-world impact. Visiting organizations like the CDC and Grady Hospital helped students better understand how their skills can be applied in meaningful ways. 

“This trek made career possibilities feel more concrete,” said Avani Dhyani. 

For students interested in arts and media, the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and alumni offered both insight and encouragement as they consider competitive fields like film and production. 

“It showed me it is possible to work in the industry. It will require a lot of hard work, innovation and networking, but it’s possible,” said Jupiter Justice. 

This trek was more than just employer visits. Students got to connect with local alumni at a networking mixer. The event provided an opportunity for students to ask questions, hear career stories, and begin building professional relationships. 

We want to thank all of the incredible employers and alumni who took the time to sit down with and guide this amazing group of young professionals. Events like this truly could not happen without your commitment to helping the next generation. 

If you are interested in participating in next year’s career treks, please visit our website or email us at asccareer@osu.edu.