Career Trek Frequently Asked Questions
The CoB Career Treks provide opportunities for business students to learn about various industries and career options. Participants will learn from leaders in their chosen field, hear from successful alumni speakers, connect with alumni mentors, and practice their professional skills.
Applications open Monday, September 1, 2025.
VA Beach Networking & Panel Career Trek: One afternoon/evening during Fall Break 2025 (exact date to be announced)
Application deadline: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Open to all years and majors
Washington, DC Career Trek – Theme: Consulting; Tuesday, January 6 – Thursday, January 8, 2026
Application deadline: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Open to all years and majors
New York City Career Trek – Theme: Wall Street; Sunday, January 11 – Thursday, January 15, 2026
Application deadline: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Open to sophomores and freshmen
Washington, D.C. Metro area - No cost
- Note: If you live 60 miles or more from McLean, VA we offer a discounted hotel room for the duration of the trek
New York City - $350
- Note: Scholarships are available to help with the program fee.
JMU College of Business students who are in good standing with the university are eligible to apply for a Career Trek.
The Washington DC Metro Area Trek is open to all years and all CoB majors.
The New York City Trek (Finance Focus) is open only to freshmen and sophomores of all CoB majors, however the trek will focus on industry areas that are specifically of interest to Economics, Finance, and Quantitative Finance majors.
Previous participants may apply; however, preference will be given to students who have never attended a CoB Career Trek.
Trek applications will open on October 1, 2024. Learn about applying.
Your submission should include a professional resume (please schedule an appointment with the University Career Center to have it reviewed before signing up), and you should demonstrate the following qualities:
- Strong interest in exploring career options & knowledge of industries of interest
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
- Willingness to work hard
- Good interpersonal skills
Participants are required to attend a minimum of one virtual pre-Career Trek meeting. During the Career Trek, participants must be prepared to ask questions and show interest in the presentations and career fields. All participants will be expected to:
- Act and dress professionally
- Attend ALL scheduled events and be ON TIME to all sessions
- Research the organizations to be visited ahead of time
Students who do not meet these expectations will be asked to leave the experience.
After screening by the CoB Office of Professional Development and Engagement, the most qualified applicants will be selected.
Yes. We are excited that you had such a rewarding experience. However, preference will be given to students who haven’t been on a Career Trek previously.
Contact Samantha Collier, Director, Office of Professional Development and Engagement, at colliesb@jmu.edu or 540-568-7415.