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.
Student applications to participate in Summer 2026 experiences are due by Friday, April 24th.
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
Join Us for a Career Trek to the Salem RidgeYaks – April 9!
Are you interested in exploring careers in sports, events, marketing, or stadium operations? Join us for an exciting Career Trek to the Salem RidgeYaks on Thursday, April 9!
This is a great opportunity to:
Learn about careers in sports management, marketing, communications, and operations
Hear directly from professionals working in a minor league baseball organization
Gain behind-the-scenes insight into the sports industry
Build valuable professional connections
Attend a baseball game!
Event Details:
Location: Salem RidgeYaks Stadium
Date: Thursday, April 9
Arrival Time at Stadium: 2:30 PM
**Students will have the opportunity to attend the baseball game!
Transportation Options:
Bus departs from VT at 1:45 PM (arrives by 2:30 PM)
Or drive yourself and meet us at the stadium at 2:30 PM
Applications are required to attend. Spots are limited, so don’t wait!
Submit your application by Sunday, March 29 to be considered.
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.