Trip Overview |
Industry Immersion trips are designed to supplement and bolster learning from the classroom. During Industry Immersion programs, students have direct exposure to a variety of sectors across business, communication and media, as well as to alumni/employer contacts and insight that will influence their career trajectories. Students have the option to join Industry Immersion day trips or full 5-day travel programs during school breaks.
C&IS faculty and staff lead each trip and offer guidance to participants to generate interview opportunities for internships or professional positions after college. Each trip comprises daily opportunities to make industry contacts and gain insights from leaders in regional, national and global organizations.
Before the Trip
Participants are required to engage in pre-program orientations and complete assigned industry research and trade readings to prepare for the experience. Orientation content includes trip expectations, safety, networking strategy, communication guidelines and how to best prepare to meet a potential future employer.
During the Trip
Industry Immersion offers a broad stroke of industry education. The learning experience will also dive into detailed topics that cover specific companies from the trip itinerary. Topics include organizational culture, ways to prepare for career success, and tips for pursuing a job in that company. Daily schedules during each trip are both intensive and motivating.
C&IS faculty and staff lead each trip and offer guidance to participants to generate interview opportunities for internships or professional positions after college. Each trip comprises daily opportunities to make industry contacts and gain insights from leaders in regional, national and global organizations.
Before the Trip
Participants are required to engage in pre-program orientations and complete assigned industry research and trade readings to prepare for the experience. Orientation content includes trip expectations, safety, networking strategy, communication guidelines and how to best prepare to meet a potential future employer.
During the Trip
Industry Immersion offers a broad stroke of industry education. The learning experience will also dive into detailed topics that cover specific companies from the trip itinerary. Topics include organizational culture, ways to prepare for career success, and tips for pursuing a job in that company. Daily schedules during each trip are both intensive and motivating.
Previous Participant Insights
By: Faith Henley; previous participant and C&IS public relations major
If you ask someone who has traveled with Industry Immersion what they learned, be prepared for them to talk excitedly and endlessly. It can be hard to choose the highlight of a trip when you experience so many exciting opportunities. Consider this your cheat sheet for some of the insights gained during an immersive networking trip.
Want to hear more? Ask an Industry Immersion alum to hear about their trip by contacting uaccis@ua.edu.
If you ask someone who has traveled with Industry Immersion what they learned, be prepared for them to talk excitedly and endlessly. It can be hard to choose the highlight of a trip when you experience so many exciting opportunities. Consider this your cheat sheet for some of the insights gained during an immersive networking trip.
- Be Prepared
- When an opportunity presents itself, it is too late to get ready. Do something every day to prepare you for the future.
- Remember Your Passion
- Not every job will involve your passion, but the right job is the one when you are proud of what you are doing.
- Invest in Your Support System
- Opportunity often comes out of the relationships in which you invest. Find mentors and be a mentor.
- Take on a Challenge
- You find growth when you leave your comfort zone.
- Know Your Worth
- Know your strengths and skills, then never settle for less than you deserve.
- Ask Questions
- Why are you doing what you do? Why is it important? How is it helping you get ahead?
- Communicate Well
- The most valuable skill you can have is the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Be True to Who You Are
- Know your voice and let it be heard.
- Strive to Improve
- Accept that you never stop learning and search for ways to grow personally and professionally.
- Enjoy the Now
- Ultimately, the journey is more important than the destination.
Want to hear more? Ask an Industry Immersion alum to hear about their trip by contacting uaccis@ua.edu.
Learning Objectives
Industry Immersion participants will practice:
- Recognizing various organizational cultures.
- Demonstrating relationship building skills.
- Strengthening professional brands/profiles.
- Describing professional goals (short and long-term).
- Identifying industry networking opportunities.