Diving Into Careers One Trek at a Time

Students Explore Careers and Internships with Circuit of the Americas, Google, SXSW and AT&T Stadium

By St. Edward's University

January 17^th, 2025

About Career Treks

“Career Treks began as a way to take students off the hilltop and immerse them in real-world workplaces, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at a variety of companies, all while forging meaningful connections with industry professionals," says Brittany Stansel, senior director of Career and Professional Development. "By stepping into these spaces, students not only expand their networks, but also begin to see themselves within these organizations. We’ve seen these visits spark internships and lasting connections. "

In the course of one semester, students had the opportunity to visit Circuit of the Americas, Google, SXSW and AT&T Stadium to learn about what it's like to work there and how they too could make that their future, either as interns during their time at St. Edward's or as full-time employees after graduation.

Circuit of the Americas Career Trek

The first Career Trek of the semester was offered exclusively to freshmen as part of a unique experience during Anchors, a weekend of activities and orientation-style events for new Hilltoppers ahead of school starting. This select group of students got to dive right into exploring career opportunities at one of Austin's most iconic venues, Circuit of the Americas. A COTA staff member gave students a tour of the facilities, including a visit to the top of the Observation Tower, and shared thoughts on what it's like to work there.

CAPD staff prepare students for their visit to the Circuit of the Americas.

Students on the bus on their way to COTA.

Students at the top of the COTA Observation Tower.

CAPD staff and students learning from the COTA guide.

Students smiling on the side of the COTA racing track.

Students take pictures on the side of the COTA racing track.

Google Career Trek

Ever wondered what it's like to be a Googler? About two dozen St. Ed's students got to find out for themselves when visiting Google's offices in downtown Austin! A number of Austinite Googlers were on hand to welcome the students to the office, give a tour of the spaces and share insight in a panel discussion about their day-to-day work. The trek wrapped with with a How to Apply to Google Workshop, led by a recruiter who shared application tips for open roles.

South by Southwest Career Trek

Stansel helped a dozen students prep their elevator pitches and brush up their networking chops before the group headed downtown to visit SXSW headquarters. During this Career Trek, full-time SXSW staff members gave students a tour of the office, shared insight on how they plan for and pull off one of the biggest international festivals for education, technology, music and film, and spent time networking with the hilltop attendees. (Fun fact -- one of the students on this trek was offered a SXSW internship and will be working to help put on the fest!)

CAPD Senior Director Brittany Stansel helps prepare students for their visit to the SXSW headquarters.

Students practice their introduction elevator speeches before their visit to SXSW.

Students sit, stand, and give toppers up hand signs at the entrance of the SXSW headquarters.

SXSW staff Stephanie Sanders and Ginny Thompson address the students.

SXSW staff member Stephanie Sanders addresses the students.

SXSW staff member Stephanie Sanders gives the students a tour of the SXSW offices.

Student Khadiga Abdo smiles in front of one of the SXSW office murals.

Students smile in front of one of the SXSW office murals.

SXSW silver anniversary decorative guitar.

Students enjoy snacks and hear from the SXSW staff.

Student Samuel Cazares interacts with SXSW staff member Stephanie Sanders.

Students and St. Edward's staff chat and network.

Students and SXSW staff chat and network.

AT&T Stadium sign is seen as students walk on the field.

AT&T Stadium Career Trek

The Career Trek to AT&T Stadium was St. Ed's biggest yet, with 40 students interested in sports business making the trip to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, just north of Dallas and home to the Dallas Cowboys. Students from universities across the state were in attendance for the exciting event, and St. Edward's was proud to have the largest student group in attendance. The day included a VIP tour of the stadium, a panel discussion focused on business operations in sports, marketing, sales, partnerships and fan engagement, and a networking session with AT&T Stadium staff members.