Career Exploration
Real Careers. Real Conversations. Real Exploration.
Hokie Shadows and Hokie Treks are programs that connect liberal arts students with alumni and professionals through immersive, real-world career experiences—on campus, on the road, and in communities across the country.
Hokie Shadows
Hokie Shadows is a short-term, mostly in-person career exploration program that connects students with professionals for brief, meaningful shadowing experiences—often right in their hometowns or local communities.
Through Hokie Shadows, students spend a half day or full day observing a professional’s work, asking questions, and gaining firsthand insight into day-to-day responsibilities, workplace culture, and career pathways. These experiences are designed to support exploration, not recruitment, helping students better understand how interests, skills, and academic experiences can translate into a wide range of careers.
Hokie Shadows hosts include Virginia Tech alumni and other professionals who are willing to share their time, stories, and career journeys. Students are supported through structured expectations and reflection so that each experience is purposeful and accessible.
Hokie Treks
Hokie Treks give students the chance to step beyond the classroom and explore careers firsthand. Through visits to organizations, conversations with professionals, and behind-the-scenes experiences, students gain real-world insight into industries and roles they’re curious about. These immersive experiences help students clarify career goals, build professional connections, and see how their interests and skills translate into the workplace.
Upcoming Treks
Smithsonian, DC Career Trek – Monday, March 9 (Spring Break)
Join us for an exclusive career trek to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture where students will gain behind-the-scenes insight into career opportunities.
Participants must meet at the Vienna–Fairfax–GMU Metro Station by 9:30 a.m. (day parking available for $4.95). Transportation will be provided via charter bus to and from the museum. Students must travel with the group and may not meet us at the museum independently.
The group will depart together at 9:30 a.m. and return to the Vienna–Fairfax–GMU Metro Station no later than 4:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to explore career paths, ask questions of industry professionals, and see how a major museum operates.
Spots are limited. Apply by Sunday, February 22 to be considered for the trek.
NBC Washington, DC Career Trek – Tuesday, March 10
Join us for an exclusive career trek to NBC in Washington, DC, where students will gain behind-the-scenes insight into careers in media, journalism, communications, and broadcasting.
Please note this is during Spring Break and students will need to find transportation and must meet at the Vienna–Fairfax–GMU Metro Station by 10:00 a.m. (day parking available for $4.95). Transportation will be provided via charter bus to and from the NBC studio. Students must travel with the group and may not meet us at the studio independently.
The group will depart together at 10:00 a.m. and return to the Vienna–Fairfax–GMU Metro Station by approximately 3:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to explore career paths, ask questions of industry professionals, and see how a major media organization operates.
Spots are limited and students will need to apply by Friday, February 13 to be considered for the trek.
FAQS
Hokie Shadows is open to first-year CLAHS undergraduate students, regardless of major or intended career path. The program is especially well-suited for students who are:
Exploring majors or considering multiple academic paths
Curious about how liberal arts skills translate to real-world work
Early in their career exploration journey
Interested in learning through observation and conversation
No prior experience, resume, or defined career goal is required. Students do not need to have a connection to a host in advance—matches are coordinated based on student interests, location, and host availability. Hokie Shadows is designed to be a low-pressure, high-impact introduction to career exploration early in a student’s time at Virginia Tech.
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Hokie Treks are open to CLAHS students who are interested in exploring career paths, gaining real-world insight, and connecting with professionals. Whether you’re still discovering your interests or starting to narrow down your career goals, this experience is designed to support students at any stage of their career exploration. Juniors and Seniors will take top priority.
Business casual or professional attire is expected.
Participants should come prepared with a positive attitude and a willingness to engage. Be sure to bring a notebook or device for taking notes, any required forms and government issued ID, and wear professional or business-casual attire as directed. Most importantly, bring your curiosity and questions to make the most of the experience.
For questions about Hokie Shadows, contact Meghan Jester at meghan09@vt.edu or liberalarts@vt.edu.
For questions about Hokie Treks, contact Kate Renz at katerenz19@vt.edu or liberalarts@vt.edu.
Alumni and other professionals can get involed with Hokie Shadows by voluneteering to be a host by completing this form.