UW Career TREK to Chicago Gives Students a Leg Up on Career Journeys

“This kind of opportunity is hard to get from anywhere else.”

 

So says Justin Wang, a master’s degree student in computer science from Cheyenne, of his recent experience on a University of Wyoming College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Career TREK. The four-day, all-expenses-paid trip took 16 students on comprehensive tours of both Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in the greater Chicago area.

 

While there was some opportunity for sightseeing, the purpose of TREK tours is to give students the opportunity to connect with UW alumni and other industry professionals for an under-the-hood look at what working in their chosen career fields really entails. On this trip, the group of 15 graduate students and one undergraduate student -- from electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, energy resource management, statistics and computer science -- observed operations firsthand at some of the pre-eminent facilities in the nation.

 

The action-packed itinerary included tours of the computing facility, Advanced Photon Source and Smart Energy Plaza at Argonne, as well as the original bubble chamber, Super Conducting Quantum Materials Lab and particle accelerator at Fermilab. Each day included ample opportunities to practice important networking skills through meals and question-and-answer sessions with industry professionals at each of the labs.

 

“I was able to go, to learn and to grow without having to worry about money. In every way, this trip was an eye-opener,” says sophomore Addison Taggart, of Loveland, Colo. “It broadened my horizons, introduced me to inspiring people and places, and played a role in shaping the next steps of my academic and career journey.”

 

For Taggart, who is studying energy resource management, this journey now includes applying for a summer internship at Argonne National Laboratory.

 

Organized by Tyler Grabner at the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Career Services Office, TREK trips provide a transformative experience that on-campus professional development opportunities simply can’t match.

 

Wang adds that “seeing the lab in action is totally different from getting information about the lab and their research through reading published journal papers. During the visit, I could see all kinds of equipment, the design of the lab and, most importantly, I had face-to-face communication opportunities with scientists and engineers. It’s much easier to ask questions in person and build connections with them.”

 

In addition to Grabner, other UW faculty and staff members went on the trip to help students get the most of their experience: Heather Chandler, a senior office associate in the School of Energy Resources; Rudi Michalak, a senior lecturer in physics and astronomy; and Hasan Iqbal, an assistant professor in electrical engineering and computer science.

 

Alex McDaniel, a master’s student in electrical engineering from Laramie, was especially appreciative of their support both before and during the trip.

 

“Our faculty who planned the trip were very good at giving advice and training along the way so that we were prepped to put our best foot forward,” McDaniel says.

 

Whether or not students on the trips choose to apply to the companies they visit, they consistently gain valuable skills, connections and fresh perspectives to support their future careers.

 

“I would recommend this kind of career trek to other students,” says Zia Ur Rehman, a master’s student in chemistry from Pakistan. “It helps with networking and making connections for internships or jobs, and it also gives students a clearer sense of direction in their studies and research.”

 

To learn more about the Student Career TREK program, visit www.uwyo.edu/ceps/resources/studentservices/jobs/trek.html.