MacExplore Trips

Career Exploration offers Macalester sophomore/junior/senior students the opportunity to explore careers and connections through national MacExplore immersive trips. Local MacExplore trips are also arranged each semester.

Overview

MacExplore trips offer a collaborative opportunity for alumni to share their expertise with current students, and for students to serve as ambassadors of the College. The focus of the trip is to help students explore career paths and to make alumni connections around the country to support transition to life after Mac.

Trip participants will:

• Learn about the skills for a particular career path and about the application processes for that path.
• Make connections that will support your applications for internships and full-time jobs.
• Enrich skills and confidence in conducting informational interviews, and effectively navigating diverse networking environments.

Trips are for individuals who are ready to challenge themselves to network, conduct informational interviews, and grow in their confidence in navigating diverse professional environments. You’ll be expected to participate in several site visits each day and panels and receptions in the evenings. The last day of the trip will allow you to schedule and conduct informational interviews.

These trips are made possible through collaboration of Macalester Career Exploration, Alumni Relations, Advancement Offices and a generous grant from the Trillium Family Foundation.

Cost

For all accepted students, Macalester will cover the cost of transportation to the U.S. location, hotel, ground transportation to events, and the majority of meals during the dates listed. Students are responsible for any meals not provided as a part of events and any personal expenditures. 

Who Can Attend

Depending on trip specifics, sophomores, juniors and seniors may be eligible.

Participants are selected through an application and interview process. Participants will be selected based on strength of application, match to event purpose, and overall group composition.

In order to spread out the immersive experiences offered through Macalester to as many students as possible, students without full-time job offers and who have not participated in other MacExplore events will be given preference.

Application Process

Only completed applications will be considered.

Step 1: Complete the application form.

Step 2: Be sure to upload the following documents:

• Resume
• Unofficial transcript
• Statement of Interest (see instructions below)

Statement of interest instructions

In no longer than one page, explain how you personally are going to use the opportunities from this trip to further your professional goals. Please write in the first person.

Please address:

i. Why do you want to go on this trip? How does the trip focus connect to your coursework, experiential learning (e.g. student organization involvement, internships, volunteering, work-study, personal interests) and professional goals?

ii. What are your short-term goals for this trip? How will those goals fit into your longer-term plans?

iii. Feel free to add any other information you think would be important for the selection committee.

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Past Trips

Careers in Human Rights and Civil Rights Advocacy

Washington D.C.

Focuses on human rights and civil rights advocacy from within and outside governments.  Students will engage with alumni in human rights and civil rights advocacy prevalent in D.C. across the public and private spheres.  Site visits may include public policy think tanks, international NGO’s, legislative offices, consulting firms, research organizations, governmental agencies, start-ups, and education and social services.

Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Careers in Technology (Information, Technology and Data)

Seattle, WA

From mega tech companies like Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, and Adobe to growing players like Zillow and Tableau, Seattle is ground zero for the tech industry, and Mac alumni are everywhere.  If you’re interested in working in a technical role in the tech industry, large or small, this is the trip for you. We will meet and network with alumni to find out what it’s like to work in tech in Seattle.

Open to: sophomores and juniors of any major with skills in data analysis, programming, UX or design and/or interest in technology startups.  .

Careers in Law

New York City, NY

This trip focuses on the depth and breadth of opportunities for JDs and other professionals in the legal field.  Site visits may include government agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations and private practice firms. Students will engage with alumni in occupations from paralegal jobs to partners in law firms, working in a range of disciplines.   

Open to: juniors and seniors giving serious consideration to attending law school in the future.   

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Sample Schedule

Sunday Evening
Young Alumni Panel

Monday
Breakfast at the hotel
Organization A Tour and Panel 9:30-11:30a
Organization B Lunch and Info Session 12:15-2p
Organization C Panel & Tour 3-5p
Group Dinner 6-8p

Tuesday
Breakfast at the hotel
Organization D Walking Tour & Info Session 9a-11a
Lunch 11:30-12:30p
Organization E Visit 1:30-2:30p
Organization F Tour and Panel 3-5p
Local Alumni Event 6-8p

Wednesday
Breakfast at the hotel
Informational interview meetings