Explore Seattle T&M style: We're launching a new Professional Development Trek!

Seattle, Anyone?

The learning opportunity is incredible, the land is beautiful, and the attractions are endless.

Many of our T&M Corporate Partners have a pretty cool presence in the Pacific Northwest, and they want YOU to come check them out! BP has the only refinery in the Pacific Northwest currently capable of manufacturing diesel made from biomass-based feedstocks; Just northeast of Seattle, Boeing has the world's largest manufacturing facility, and T-Mobile world HQ sits right downtown Seattle! Beyond our Corporate Sponsors, we'll try to catch up with T&M alumni living out their dream jobs right in the heart of Seattle, some at major tech corporations like Meta and Amazon, and some at cutting edge tech startups, and everywhere in between. Speaking of between, we haven't even mentioned the gorgeous landscape and fun nestled between the fantastic tech and engineering firms in the area.

And, like so many exciting T&M Professional Development opportunities, this Trek is being funded by the program! You heard me right, you're being offered the opportunity to travel during Spring Break at very little cost at all! 

I know this email is long, please read carefully as there are important details and instructions for applying included.

What to Expect

The idea is to strike the perfect balance of Spring break Getaway meets T&M's signature experiential, immersive learning opportunity.

• in-depth insights into an array of relevant work and topics with ample opportunity to dig deep with Q&A
• exciting tours including Amazon HQ, BP’s Cherry Point Refinery and Boeing’s incredible facilities
• career exploration and engagement with professionals from the area
• a peek into new corporate cultures
• stops at the area’s biggest attractions including Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and iconic sightseeing
• chance to build deeper connections and fond memories with your peers
• plenty of free time to explore the area

We'll even get you home in time to spend a bit of time with your friends and family and catch up on laundry!

Application Deadline: November 20

If you are ready to apply for a spot on the Seattle trip, please fill out the application in its entirety before November 20. Please note, by submitting this form, you are making a commitment to take the trip. We look forward to providing students this exciting chance to learn while exploring a new city; be aware it is a great privilege to be afforded the opportunity to travel for free. Following through on your commitments to the program is an excellent exercise for professional growth and crucial building character and reputation. Applying for, and later cancelling on your commitment to the trip means you likely take this opportunity away from one of your peers, waste program funds, and ultimately reflect poorly on your professional development within the program to our Corporate Sponsors.

Trip itinerary

Our group will depart from Chicago on Sunday, March 12, 2023, and return Thursday, March 16. We are building an itinerary that features several site visits and tours blended with social activities each day. Please note: We offer this sample itinerary to inform your expectations of this trip, however many stops and plans are still in progress. Changes and fluctuations are inevitable; however, we guarantee the caliber of our trip to be much in line with this sample.

Selection Process

All applications will be considered with the following criteria involved in the selection process:

1. Students unable to join an International Immersion trip for any reason
2. Students who have participated in all required T&M events
3. Students who joined the Midwest Trek (not a prerequisite for this inaugural trip, but will be required in years to come)
4. Final selections beyond the above criteria will be based on answers to the essay questions

Dates to Know

The list below summarizes key dates related to the trip. Because we are still planning, it is important to read all emails and reminders carefully, because dates subject to change!

• November 20 – Deadline to apply
• November 30 – Notifications of acceptance or waitlist sent out with intent to travel instructions
• December 8 – All intent to travel forms and application fee due
• December 10 – Waitlist notified if any vacancies
• February 28 – Final trip itinerary and details by email
• March 11 – 19 – University of Illinois Spring Break
• March 11 – go to sleep early!!
• March 12 – 16/17 – Seattle Trip
• Please note: our return trip is March 16, however we land in Chicago near midnight and thus, we will actually return to Champaign in the early morning hours of March 17

Scholarships

We want this opportunity to be available to any student in the program, without causing financial worry so we have worked hard to cover most costs of the trip. However, we will consider scholarships to students who might need assistance with the application fee and incidental costs of the trip. Please indicate your need for financial assistance on the application, and we will respond with information on scholarship.

Post-Trip Work

Students joining the trip will be asked to provide feedback in a required survey with insightful answers to pinpoint the most valuable aspects of the trip.

READY TO JOIN US? APPLY HERE: application