The purpose of the Silicon Valley Networking Trek is to provide CMC students with an opportunity to establish relationships with CMC alumni working in the Silicon Valley, while gaining exposure to various job opportunities in technology. The goal is for these relationships to evolve into summer internship and full-time job opportunities for CMC students in the Silicon Valley.
Activities:
The trip occurs annually during CMC's Winter Break.
Participants consist of select CMC students who have demonstrated an interest in management leadership in the computing or technology corporate arena.
The selection process involves a formal application, submission of a resume, and a brief response to three questions. The applications are reviewed by a committee. Applicants approved for the Trip are notified via email.
The students arrive in the Silicon Valley on a Sunday. Monday through Friday, the students visit a number of companies. Previous companies have included Apple, Box, Meta, Google, Intuit, LinkedIn, as well as a variety of startups and VCs. During the visits to these firms, the host company is asked to provide the following:
- A private meeting with the corporate executive hosting the visit (usually a CMC alumnus)
- An informational presentation on the organization (usually involving a CMC alumnus)
- Time for questions & answers between CMC students and the presenter
- A panel of young employees (preferably with a CMC alumnus or alumni) to discuss their roles in the organization and to answer questions
- A tour of the company's facilities
- A presentation from a recruiter within the firm that will enable CMC students to gain a better understanding of career opportunities
- Either breakfast, lunch, or dinner
In addition to the company visits, the Trip includes a networking reception in conjunction with the Silicon Valley Chapter of the CMC Alumni Association. On Friday, of the week involved, the Trek concludes and students depart, unless they choose to stay in the Bay Area to spend time sightseeing. The students who remain in the bay area are responsible for covering any expenses they incur after the conclusion of the Trip.
Students are responsible for airfare and ground transportation costs to and from the Networking Trip headquarters hotel. The Information Technology Advisory Board will cover all lodging expenses and provide for food and transportation related to the business of the Networking Trip from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon of the specified week.