CONNECT West Coast

West Coast is on hold for 2025

Kick off your summer break by making connections at employer site visits with the Fleishman Career Center! Students that participate in this program can expect to expand their network, learn more about careers in Los Angeles, polish professional development skills, and gain insights into working and living in this booming area!

CONNECT is a series of programs that take students on Employer Treks in destination cities across the United States. Students will be able to visit the office locations of notable employers, learn more about the organizations, get a peek into company culture, discover career paths, and network with employees and Binghamton alumni. The program is designed for students of any major or class year to explore career options, grow their networks, and develop professionally.

Students will attend all planned site visits as a cohort. Attend a mandatory information session (see below) to learn more about this program and how to apply! Space is limited and the program is highly competitive.

• How to Apply for West Coast CONNECT

  You must update your hireBING profile prior to applying for this program. Please be sure that your profile has all the correct information (including major and class year) as well as an updated resume.

  Apply to attend the West Coast CONNECT Program in hireBING. Attend a mandatory information session to be eligible to apply. Information on how to apply to these programs will be shared in the info sessions.

  Note: You will be alerted if you do not meet all qualifications, however your application will still be received. 

• Eligibility

  The West Coast CONNECT Program is open to current Binghamton University students who are or will be registering for fall 2024 classes at Binghamton. Students of any major or class year who are interested in learning more about careers and life in Los Angeles are encouraged to apply.

  There are a limited number of spots available for this program. This is a competitive process and not all applicants will be selected. It is strongly suggested that applicants review the application tips and follow them to increase their chances of being selected.

• Mandatory Information Session

  Students MUST attend ONE information session to be eligible to apply for West Coast CONNECT. The following sessions are available:

  A virtual session will be available starting for students who are unable to make an in-person session. Students must watch the entire session and also score a 100% on the accompanying quiz to receive credit for the session.

  Watch the virtual info session

  Please allow up to 24 hours after you complete the session for your hireBING account to update and reflect that you are eligible to apply. 

• Participation Agreement

  In order to apply, all students MUST read, sign and submit a participation agreement. View and download the participation agreement below. This must be attached to your application in hireBING as an "other" document.

  PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

• Application Tips

  There are a limited number of spots for this program, so the application process is highly competitive. Applicants will be selected based on the quality of their application package. In order to increase your chances of being accepted, it is recommended that you do the following:

  • Utilize the Fleishman Career Center's resources on writing resumes and personal statements, such as the Career Guide and resume templates. You can also make an appointment or visit UU-133 during walk-in hours (weekdays from noon-4 p.m.) for feedback.
  • Tailor your statement of interest for this program. The selection committee will be looking for statements of interest that communicate why the student is excited about this program and what they are hoping to learn from it.
  • Do research on Los Angeles and/or the registered employers before submitting your application. This will help you write a better statement of interest.
• Cost

  The Office of Alumni Engagement is providing generous support to ensure that financial need is not a barrier to student participation. Students will receive:

  • A $600 flight credit
  • Hotel stay for the duration of the trip (with 3 roommates, who will be fellow students in the program)
  • Transportation to each Trek
  • Food at a Networking Night

  Students are responsible for:

  • Food and beverage costs 
  • Bringing professional attire
  • Costs associated with souvenirs and related expenses

  It is recommended that students budget $200–500 for these costs.

• Timeline
  • Immediately: update your hireBING profile
  • March 25–29: Attend an info session
  • Friday, March 29 at 3 p.m.: Info session due
  • Sunday, March 31 at 5 p.m.: Applications open
  • Sunday, April 14 at 5 p.m.: Applications close
  • Monday, April 15: Acceptance and waitlist emails are sent to students
  • Wednesday, May 1: Cancellation deadline. Participation agreements and flight information due.
  • Monday, May 13–Friday, May 17: Treks take place
• Trek schedule

  This was the schedule for 2024. Use this as a reference for future visits

  Tuesday, May 14

  • TBD
  • City Year
  • The Broad

  Wednesday, May 15

  • Ticketmaster
  • TBD
  • CSC

  Thursday, May 16

  • TBD
  • Los Angeles Philharmonic 
  • Standard Architecture/Design Group

  If you are an employer or alumni in the Los Angeles area interested in participating in West Coast CONNECT, please reach out to the CONNECT planning team at hirebing@binghamton.edu and check out the employer website.

For more information, please email hireBING@binghamton.edu.