Students explore careers in NYC through alternative spring break
The new program places students in a key employment market that ranks among the top four destinations for Pamplin graduates.
For 20 Pamplin College of Business students, spring break wasn’t a getaway — it was a gateway.
The college’s inaugural Alternative Spring Break Career experience recently embedded a cohort of high-achieving students into the heart of New York City, one of the top four career destinations for Virginia Tech graduates.
The program was designed to move beyond the traditional company tour, instead offering a deep dive into the culture and operational demands of global leaders like Google, IBM, PwC, Tradeweb, and AlphaSights. Students bridged the distance between academic theory and the fast-paced reality of the New York market through networking with professionals and participating in a hands-on AI-related activities
“I gained a lot of knowledge that I did not have before going and also connecting with many people,” said Cayden Lucas, a business information technology student. “My favorite part of the trip was the alumni dinner because I got to network and learn valuable advice that I am already applying today.”
During the alumni networking dinner, 14 Pamplin alumni based in the New York City area joined students for an evening of connection and conversation. They shared insights, work stories, and advice for their former peers.
“Not only did we visit companies and interact with some of their employees, but we also had the chance to network with amazing Virginia Tech alumni,” said Alycia Tamufor, a fintech and big data analytics student. "We met new students and shared a unique experience together.”
Students said they walked away with a new connection and plan to stay in touch with each other after the trip, noting that they gained insight into specific skills needed to develop before graduation and feel more confident in their ability to network and develop professional connections after having participated.
“The trek was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my time at Virginia Tech. Visiting firms like PwC, IBM, Google, AlphaSights, and Tradeweb showed me firsthand how the intersection of finance and technology is shaping the future of business,” said Diego Anturiano-Chavez, a student in accounting and information systems. “Beyond the company visits, what made the trip truly special was the people. I connected with so many talented Pamplin students my age who share the same drive and ambition, and I left feeling like I had built friendships that will last well beyond this trip.”
By the end of the week, the students hadn't just visited offices; they had built a community. By connecting students with top employers in a key employment market, they expanded their networks and access to experiential learning while confidently envisioning their future after graduation.
