Career Treks
In this section
The UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media is committed to exposing our undergraduate students to life in major media markets. During the fall and spring semesters, selected students participate in Career Treks during fall and spring break. These Career Treks give students a chance to visit major markets, as well as network with alumni.
These students meet in small groups with alumni and others working in media and journalism fields and get to experience what work-life is like in these cities. The trips give students the opportunity to learn from alumni and make connections in their career fields that can help them secure jobs and internships in the future.
The Reuhl Family Foundation Excellence Fund helps support Career Treks. Catherine Reuhl Becker is a 2003 graduate of the school.
Additionally, Hussman Alumni Association Board members support the Career Treks through their participation and financial gifts.
Spring 2027 Information
The spring 2027 UNC Hussman Career Treks will include Greensboro, North Carolina and San Francisco.
Treks are reserved for current UNC Hussman majors who are junior or seniors. Students are limited to one Career Trek while at UNC Hussman.
The fourth annual Sports Industry Night will take place Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027 in Greensboro, and offers students the opportunity to hear insights, career advice and industry trends from sports executives and leaders while connecting with regional sports organizations.
The event begins with a networking session, panel discussion and career fair from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Piedmont Hall, where attendees can connect face-to-face with representatives from regional sports organizations offering internship and job pathways.
The evening continues at 6 p.m. with a Greensboro Swarm game against the Westchester Knicks at Novant Health Fieldhouse.
Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 25 students. Application details are coming soon. For more information, contact Morgan Ray, assistant director of career services, at morgan_ray@unc.edu.
The San Francisco Career Trek offers students the opportunity to visit up to six organizations and connect with alumni in the San Francisco area while exploring careers in media, communications and related industries.
Through site visits and conversations with professionals, students will gain firsthand insight into career paths, workplace culture and opportunities in one of the nation’s most innovative markets.
Applications for the San Francisco trek will be live on January 7, 2027 (subject to change.) Participants will be selected via a random selection sorter.
For more information, contact Morgan Ray, assistant director of career services, at morgan_ray@unc.edu.
Past Career treks
Previously, students have visited media outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, Fox News, Edelman, Google, Facebook, YouTube, Rubenstein, FleishmanHillard, BBDO, BooneOakley, Charlotte Agenda and NASCAR.
Frequently Asked Questions From Students
Yes! To be selected, students must already be admitted into the school. Only UNC Hussman undergraduate students are able to apply. UNC Hussman students are only allowed to attend ONE career trek during their time at UNC-CH. While the trip is open to all currently enrolled UNC Hussman students, it tends to be most advantageous if a student is either considering living in the city or knows their interest area on the trek.
Students are responsible for their transportation to and from the destination city, as well as ground transportation and meal expenses throughout the trip. The school covers the cost of the students’ hotel but not any parking fees. Additional travel funds are available for the students with financial need. Students selected for the trips will be notified about how to apply for this funding.
Students will be expected to share their PID, UNC email, graduation year, GPA and a resume in the application. Students will also be asked why they want to attend a trek. Students must be a current junior or senior in the school. The first 14 qualified students will be selected. The application will allow for a few alternates.
Students are responsible for their own transportation and dining expenses, as well as any optional activities in the city that may cost money. Students can expect to spend about $100 to $200 of their own money during the trip, depending on the location of the trip.
We suggest business attire. Acceptable attire includes blouses, dress shirts with ties, dress pants, skirts, dresses, blazers and sport coats. Please plan to bring a pair of comfortable shoes if your dress shoes are not made for walking because participants often walk between appointments. No jeans.
No. The meetings are for networking and educational purposes only. But it is important to be prepared with work samples and resumes, just in case. Our alumni regularly contact the school about hiring recent graduates.
The school books double-occupancy hotel rooms in the center of the city we are visiting. Locations are chosen to provide easy access to meeting locations.
We try to build in some free time to every itinerary. With that said, the school covers the hotel costs for the trip. Students are free to make their own accommodations to stay beyond those days for sightseeing, visiting family and friends, or scheduling other meetings.
For More Information
For more information, please contact hussmancareers@unc.edu.