 "Photo: Image courtesy of GAMP")
Students networked and asked questions at Gonzaga Alumni Mentor Program’s ninth annual Portland and Seattle treks.
Each student was required to attend an informational GAMP session. From resume help, to mock interviews, to elevator pitch advice, students were asked to get more involved to make the most of the treks.
“We did this in order to better prepare students for the treks. This way, they will have done their research when it comes to the companies they visit. This year, more than ever, there are higher stakes for getting a job,” GAMP Assistant Director Erin Shields said.
The Portland Trek, which was held on Jan. 5 at the Portland Lloyd Center Doubletree, started with a bang. All 132 students — up from 107 last year — went on excursions to two businesses of their choice. Companies involved this year were: Nike, Columbia Sportswear, Daimler, addidas, HP, The Regence Group, the Widmer Brother Brewing Co. and the Portland Trail Blazers.
After returning, students were given the opportunity to attend a career fair. More than 25 area employers were on hand to discuss available opportunities and career development tools.
The trek wrapped up with a networking social with a keynote address by Kent Lewis, President of Anvil Media, Inc. In his presentation, “Securing a Dream Job in a Scary Market,” Lewis stressed research and preparation in marketing yourself to employers. Lewis also encouraged creating Twitter and LinkedIn accounts to grow your network. Lewis’ presentation can be found at: http://ow.ly/TcO2
The Seattle Trek kicked off two days later, on Jan. 7 at 11:30 a.m. with a business and networking luncheon at the Washington Athletic Club. Keynote speaker and ’87 alumna, Andy Schneider, shared 10 steps in having a successful career. Schneider, Senior Vice President of People and Customer Service for Horizon Air, pushed core values, such as commitment, adapting to what life throws at you, and balancing your personal life and business.
This year, 233 students attended the Seattle Trek. Even though the numbers were down from last year, one more company did come out to network with students, proving that companies are still hiring.
“There are jobs out there. Students need to be more proactive and take create approaches to find out about these opportunities,” Manager of Employer and Alumni Relations Belinda Bobko said.
At 12:30 p.m., students went on their respective excursions. Companies that participated in Seattle were: Xversity. Amazon.com, Expeditors, Accenture, Nordstrom, Redhook, Starbucks, the Experience Music Project, Boeing and Microsoft.
Students were then taken downtown to F.X. McRory’s for a networking social.
“The best part of the trek was the networking social. I was able to make a lot of contacts and everyone was more than willing to help me,” senior Audra Bloom said.
For Bloom, who is an Applied Communication Studies major, this was her second time attending the trek. She hopes to live in the Portland or Seattle area and believes that going to the treks is a good place to start to increase contacts.
The next morning, the women at the trek were treated to the “Women in Leadership Symposium.” Here, the Puget Sound area’s most successful and influential female leaders came to speak and network with students.
The Trek concluded with a career fair, with 40 employers from the Seattle area. Here, students were able to talk to college recruiters and learn more about what companies are looking for in today’s tough job market.
“I would recommend everyone go on the trek to meet new people and see what’s out there – if only to network and experience something new,” Bloom said.
Second-time Seattle trek attendee and junior Avriel Burlot went to see internship opportunities and says she will be next year. However, she is hoping to see some new companies in the future.
Burlot, who is a Public Relations and Environmental Studies major says the excursions are good but hopes to see more variety.
“There are a lot of business companies here. I would like to see different companies like news stations, environmental companies and maybe more non-profits,” Burlot said.
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