During winter term, two groups of Miami University students took a bold step toward their futures by participating in immersive career treks: Into the Capital City in Columbus and Into the Queen City in Cincinnati.

Presented by the Center for Career Exploration and Success as part of the Presidential Career and Leadership Series, these treks gave participants exposure to diverse career paths, networking opportunities with professionals, and insights into life beyond college.

For Hafsa El Harchi, a senior Biomedical Engineering major, Into the Capital City was a chance to embrace new opportunities. El Harchi and her peers visited American Electric Power, Battelle, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the Columbus Crew, and the Ohio Legislative Commission to learn about careers in engineering and technology, law and government, and management, sales, and consulting.

El Harchi was particularly struck by her experience at Battelle, saying, “I learned so much about who they were as a company. Exploring their culture opened my eyes to things I never knew to look for when considering potential employers.”

The Columbus trek also featured a young alumni panel focused on the importance of career flexibility. “I now understand a linear career path is uncommon,” El Harchi said. “Most people go back and forth between different careers before landing on the path they were meant to follow.”

Mia Hemingway, a first-year Medical Laboratory Science major, embarked on Into the Queen City. Like many of her peers, she was motivated to explore Cincinnati as a potential post-graduation home and to connect with employers in education, nonprofit, and human services, and health and science. She was most inspired by 3CDC, an organization dedicated to revitalizing the city’s downtown.

“Their mission was so incredible,” Hemingway said. “It was amazing to see how much they care about their community. I also appreciated learning how they are actively working to better the downtown area.”

Beyond their visits with 3CDC, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Medpace, and UC Health, participants also attended “A Room in the Castle.” This play, put on by the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, sparked a thoughtful discussion on storytelling.

El Harchi and Hemingway agreed the career treks were an invaluable opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and make new connections, both professional and personal.

“This trip was a good bout of exposure therapy in meeting new people from different backgrounds and asking to stay in touch,” Hemingway said. “I not only expanded my professional network, I also made new friends.”

El Harchi echoed this sentiment, also sharing the trek reaffirmed her belief that graduating from college is just the beginning of her career journey.

The Presidential Career and Leadership Series continues this spring with Into the LAND, a career trek to Cleveland, and a keynote address by Margaret Lee Shetterly, the best-selling author of “Hidden Figures,” on April 15.

“We are grateful for our partnership with President Gregory P. Crawford,” said Jennifer Benz, the assistant vice president of the Center for Career Exploration and Success. “The Presidential Career and Leadership Series allows Miami students to explore the world of work in many ways. It is also exciting to watch them make lasting connections with employers, alumni, our staff, and their peers.”