The offices of Alumni Constituency and Engagement and the Career Center are pleased to announce the 2025 Chicago Business Trek! This trip will provide a valuable learning experience in terms of both career exploration and professional development for students interested in business-related fields. You will have the opportunity to visit several Chicago-based organizations during the trip and have an opportunity to network with Lawrence alumni, and top business professionals to learn more about each organization and develop contacts, while simultaneously conveying your own interest in these areas.
Don’t miss this opportunity to network with key professionals and alumni, while positioning yourself well for a future in business!
Trek 2025 Program Details
Itinerary (subject to change)
Thursday, May 8
6:30 a.m. Leave Lawrence University (from Wriston Turnaround)
11:00 a.m. Starcom Media Vest Group – Ayomide Akinyosove ‘19
12:30 p.m. McKinsey & Co. – Andrew Wong ’06 (Lunch Provided)
3:00 p.m. iHeartMedia – Steve Vicenteno ’04
4:30 p.m. Check into River North Hotel
6:00 p.m. Networking (with LU Young Alumni) Reception at Wildfire Chicago (Heavy Appetizers Provided)
Friday, May 9th
8:30 a.m. Depart from hotel
9:00 a.m. TBD
11:00 a.m. Northern Trust – David Knapp ‘90
1:00 p.m. Lunch at Revival Food Hall
3:00 p.m. TBD
4:30 p.m. Depart to Appleton (back to LU)
4:30-7 p.m. Stop for dinner (Dinner at the expense of the attendee)
~ 7:00 p.m. Arrive to LU
Eligibility
All class years from all majors who have an interest in business-related career paths are welcome!
Dates
Thursday, May 8th – Friday, May 9th, 2025 (Spring Term Reading Period)
Expenses/Costs
If selected, trek participants should expect to cover some meals or snacks during the trek. More details will be shared at the orientation or see itinerary above.
Application Process
All interested students must complete an application and attend an orientation session to be eligible for the trip. Space is limited; a maximum of 25 students will be able to attend.
In your application, explain your interest in business and how this trip will contribute to your longer-term career plans. If you need help writing your application, please make an appointment in Handshake with a career advisor or a Career Peer Educator.
- Complete the application form below by 11:59pm CT on Friday, April 18th, 2025 to be considered as an attendee.
Click HERE to Start Your Application.
Selection Process
- In order to be considered for the trek, applicants will be evaluated based on completeness of application, thoughtfulness of application responses as it pertains to career-oriented goals, and registration and completion of one orientation session.
- After completeness and thoughtfulness, applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, to increase your chances of being selected to attend the trek, complete the application thoroughly and sign up for the orientation right away.
- You will be notified by Grace Kutney, via your LU email, by Friday, April 25th, 2025 if you have been selected.
- A wait list may be created if we receive more than 25 qualified applications.
Orientation
You must attend an orientation session in order to go on the trip; your spot on the bus will be forfeited if you do not attend orientation.
Sign up for ONE orientation session only. If you cannot attend either session, you must contact Rich Marshall BEFORE April 23th.
Orientation session 1: Tuesday, April 22nd from 12:15-1:15pm in Chapman Hall Room 202 Register here: Session 1
Orientation session 2: Wednesday, April 23rd at 4:30pm in Chapman Hall Room 202 Register here: Session 2
Questions or Concerns? Contact Rich Marshall, Assistant Director of Internships, in the Career Center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Do I have to go to every stop?
Yes, you must go to every stop. (Plus, you may learn something that surprises you too!)
2. Can I drive myself down there? Or what if I don’t want to come back with the LU bus on Friday?
No, you may not drive yourself down there. However, if you wish to stay down in Chicago after the trek is completed, you will note this on the Personal Information & Release for Domestic Travel form during orientation to indicate your decision to stay in Chicago.
3. What is the COVID-19 Policy for this trip?
We will be following LU’s Covid-19’s current policy. We ask you to bring masks on the trek in case sites require them upon visiting.
4. Can I go if there is a hold on my student account?
The Dean of Students office will review each student that is accepted to determine if they are eligible to participate. If there is a hold on your student account, this may prevent you from being able to go.