Students Explore Careers, Prepare for Life after Knox Thanks to KnoxTreks

At Knox College, preparing students for life after graduation is not limited only to the classroom. Whether through immersion programs or experiences, the College is always looking for ways to make students’ transition into life after Knox easier.

One of those immersive programs is KnoXTreks. The goal of each KnoXTreks experience is to provide students, potential employers, and alumni with a curated experience that connects areas of study and skill building to career exploration and post-graduate success. KnoXTreks helps develop meaningful connections, as well as provide exposure to employment pathways. 

“KnoxTreks offers students an immersive experience to gain first hand exposure to industry and professional networks, whether it is touring companies and meeting with their leadership, learning from recruiters what they are looking for in new talent, to exploring campuses and programs to continue academic success. KnoXTreks experiences help students to be better prepared for competitive employment and leverage their time at Knox for better success after graduation,” said Associate Director of Career Exploration and External Relations, Tiffany Springer.

In March, KnoXTreks made its initial two trips—the first visiting the University of Chicago to give students an understanding of the grad school process and experience. Students met with University of Chicago staff, faculty, and current students to explore graduate programs, internships, and to discuss how best to prepare academically if grad school is in their plans. Nine students took advantage of the opportunity, spending the day on the campus of the University of Chicago.

“It left a good impression. The professors there said it’s never too early, and now you know what to do now that you have guidance,” first-year computer science and theatre major Abhishek Sharma said. “I can now plan my steps forward. It was an opportunity to talk to the brightest minds on the planet, to explore, to ask for guidance, and to prepare myself for the next three years of my life because grad school is something really important to me.”

The second trip was over spring break and was tailored for students in the art field. The group visited the Union League Club to view art and take part in a panel discussion with Knox alumni in the art field, while also offering networking opportunities. The day concluded with a Chicago architectural boat tour. Nine more Knox students, along with four staff, and one faculty member made the voyage to Chicago. 

“I looked at them as an opportunity. They gave me the chance to go to the University of Chicago, explore all their graduate programs and speak to professors, and be in a place where I want to be as a goal,” Sharma, who participated in both treks, said. “For the art trek, as an international student, I got the opportunity to explore Chicago with the College, and with my friends, which was amazing. As a student, it was provided to me in such a great way, and I think I used the best of this opportunity.”

The art trek to Chicago was the first discipline-specific trip and was led by Springer, members of the Bastian Family Center for Career Success, members of the Office of Advancement, and Chair and Associate Professor of Art Andrea Ferrigno. Students were able to network and meet with Knox alums living in the Chicagoland area and working in the arts, an opportunity that is invaluable for students. 

“I was excited about networking with other artists,” senior and studio arts major and education studies and psychology double minor Mia Palmer said. “I was very interested in the different types of artists. There were theatre majors and comparative painter majors; it was a nice time to ask questions and ease general concerns. It can be a scary moment in a graduate’s life, getting pushed out of the nest of school and having to figure it out on your own.”

And as the program continues to grow, Springer hopes students get more involved and take advantage of what the College and alums can provide.

“For our students, we want to encourage them to engage in these opportunities,” Springer said. “Our Knox alumni are so generous, they want to engage with students, they want students to experience opportunities that will promote their Knox experience and their post-graduate success, students can share what they learned to other students and get them involved too. These opportunities for students are a piece of what makes Knox such a special place and continue to promote success for our graduates.”