The Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) Spring 2026 Boston Career Trek brought students to one of the nation’s leading innovation hubs for an immersive, hands-on learning experience. Designed to help students explore potential career paths, the trek combined company visits, alumni engagement, and collaborative learning opportunities that provided a deeper understanding of life after college.
The trip marked another successful year of the program, with 20 students traveling together, navigating the city, and engaging directly with professionals across multiple industries. From the very beginning, the experience reflected both professional growth and shared moments of connection—whether exploring Boston, navigating the T together, or walking between site visits in unusually beautiful weather.
Inside Leading Organizations Across Boston
Over the course of the trek, students visited six organizations: New Balance, Deloitte, Cambridge Mobile Telematics, Black Kite, Wayfair, and Klaviyo. Each visit offered a unique perspective on how organizations are leveraging technology, data, and innovation within their industries.
The trek began at New Balance, where students explored the company’s state-of-the-art track facility and gained insight into product innovation and brand operations.
“It was a great time connecting with the iSchool students during their visit,” said Neil Winston’14. “One of the things that stood out most was how thoughtful and curious they were about the real-world application of technology and reliability at scale. Their questions reflected a strong interest in how academic learning translates into practical impact, collaboration, and problem solving within the retail industry.”
Deloitte, students engaged in interactive activities using the company’s internal AI tools, helping them better understand how technology can guide career decision-making and team dynamics. 
At Cambridge Mobile Telematics, students learned about data-driven systems and observed how real-time analytics are applied in areas such as transportation safety. The visit to Black Kite provided exposure to cybersecurity practices, where students explored proprietary software and gained a deeper understanding of risk and vulnerability assessment.
At Wayfair, students experienced the company’s creative and collaborative work environment while engaging in Q&A sessions with alumni who shared insights into their career paths and workplace experiences. The final visit to Klaviyo stood out as a memorable conclusion to the trek, where students explored the company’s space, learned about its operations, and connected with alumni in an energetic and engaging setting.
“Meeting the students was incredibly energizing,” said Cassi Kennedy ’25. “What stood out immediately was how engaged and curious they were. They weren’t asking surface-level questions—they were digging into how products work, how teams think about data and security, and what early career opportunities look like. You could see how strong the iSchool foundation is in the way they approached those conversations with confidence and thoughtfulness.”
Engaging with Alumni and Building Connections
A key highlight of the trip was the opportunity to connect with Syracuse alumni throughout the experience. Students participated in an alumni networking event at the Back Bay Social Club, where more than 10 alumni joined for an evening of conversation, mentorship, and shared experiences.
In addition to the networking event, alumni were present at several site visits, offering guidance through Q&A sessions and informal conversations. These interactions gave students valuable insight into career pathways, workplace expectations, and the transition from student life to professional environments.
“The experience also reminded me how important these opportunities are,” Kennedy added. “Programs like the Boston Career Trek, along with the support from iSchool faculty and staff, really help students navigate early career decisions with confidence.”
The impact of the trek is already evident. Several students have developed meaningful connections that are translating into internship and full-time opportunities for the upcoming summer and beyond graduation—demonstrating the real career value of these experiences.
A Collaborative and Memorable Experience
Beyond company visits, the trek fostered a strong sense of community among participants. Students worked together during interactive sessions, explored new tools and technologies, and supported one another throughout the experience.
“Visiting companies like Deloitte and New Balance made the professional world feel much more tangible,” said Jacob VonTersch ’26. “Connecting with iSchool alumni showed me how versatile the degree is and gave me real people and companies to look toward in my job search. The trip ultimately reinforced my interest in pursuing opportunities in Boston, especially in data and analytics.”
From successfully navigating Boston’s transit system together to sharing walks between visits, these moments contributed to a collaborative and engaging environment that extended beyond structured programming.
As the iSchool continues to expand experiential learning opportunities, the Boston Career Trek remains a key initiative in helping students connect academic learning with real-world application. By combining industry exposure, alumni engagement, and peer collaboration, the program empowers students to explore their future with confidence and clarity.