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CLA Career Trek Program connects students, professionals at major organizations

The College of Liberal Arts Career Trek Program is a high-impact initiative designed to provide students with experiential learning opportunities that bridge the gap between academic coursework and professional career pathways.

Through structured visits to organizations across a variety of industries, students engage with alumni and employers, gain firsthand insight into workplace environments and develop key career competencies. The program strengthens students’ understanding of how a liberal arts education translates into professional success while equipping them with the networking skills and industry knowledge necessary to navigate their career journeys with confidence.

This year, Career Services expanded career readiness efforts through a series of immersive, off-campus career treks that connected students directly with employers, alumni and professional settings beyond the classroom. 

Southern Living

During the Southern Living career trek, students explored careers in media, publishing, marketing and creative industries.

Through office tours and conversations with professionals, students gained insight into content development, brand strategy and audience engagement within a fast-paced environment.

The experience highlighted the importance of storytelling, collaboration, adaptability and project management while helping students see how roles across editorial, design, communications and business functions work together to support organizational success.

TNT Sports/Turner Studios

At TNT Sports/Turner Studios, students explored careers related to logistics, transportation, analytics and supply chain management.

Professionals shared insight into how large-scale distribution networks operate and how strategic planning, efficiency and innovation drive business success.

Students learned the importance of analytical thinking, cross-team communication and operational problem solving while gaining a clearer understanding of how complex systems function within global organizations.

Pre-Law Career Trek to Birmingham

The Pre-Law Career Trek to Birmingham offered students an immersive introduction to the legal profession and its many career pathways.

Students visited the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, where they gained exposure to the federal court system, observed a legal proceeding and engaged with court staff and partner organizations.

The trek also included law firm visits with Auburn alumni at Hollis, Wright & Clay and Burr & Forman, where attorneys shared their professional journeys, discussed practice areas and participated in question-and-answer conversations.

The experience concluded with an alumni networking event that helped students build professional relationships while developing confidence in networking and career exploration.

Delta Air Lines

The career trek to Delta Air Lines exposed students to one of the world’s leading global organizations and its wide range of career pathways.

Students learned more about operations, leadership, customer experience and corporate culture through discussions with Delta professionals and guided tours.

The experience emphasized teamwork, logistical planning and data-informed decision-making while reinforcing transferable skills such as communication, problem solving, adaptability and customer-focused thinking that are applicable across industries.

Health Care Career Trek to Birmingham

The Health Care Career Trek to Birmingham introduced students to a broad range of career pathways within health care, clinical services and health care related business operations.

Students visited Birmingham Obstetrics and Gynecology to learn about patient care, clinical operations and the role of collaboration in health care settings.

At Warren Averett, students explored the business side of health care, gaining insight into accounting, consulting and advisory services that support health care organizations.

The trek also included a visit to St. Vincent’s and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where students learned about hospital systems, patient-focused care and the interdisciplinary teamwork required in large medical environments.

Across all visits, students developed a deeper understanding of professionalism, confidentiality, communication and critical thinking within health care related careers.

Purpose of the Program

The Career Trek Program is designed to provide Liberal Arts students with transformative professional development experiences through site visits with employers and alumni in nearby cities. These visits offer direct exposure to real-world workplaces, opportunities to engage with professionals and insight into a wide range of career pathways.

Through these immersive experiences, students are empowered to explore their interests, build professional confidence and make informed decisions about their futures.

Faculty Collaboration and High-Impact Educational Practices

Through close collaboration with interested CLA faculty, Career Services strategically develops Career Trek opportunities that complement academic programs and expand access to high-impact professional development experiences.

Grounded in experiential learning, the Career Trek Program helps students explore career pathways, reflect on their strengths and areas for growth, build professional relationships and strengthen skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration and career planning through direct engagement with employers and industry professionals.

Learn more about the Career Trek Program at the Career Services website.

Tags: Students Career Services