Expanding Horizons: Career Exposure Trip 2025

With backpacks full of curiosity and minds set on the future, Maryland student-athletes touched down in Seattle for the transformative fourth annual Career Exposure Tour.

Twelve University of Maryland student-athletes embarked on a transformative five-day journey during this year’s Career Exposure Tour. Beyond just a glimpse into potential career paths, the experience challenged participants to step outside their comfort zones, cultivate self-confidence, and embrace personal growth. Through immersive site visits and authentic conversations with industry leaders, student-athletes explored future opportunities and began shaping the professional identities they aspire to become.

Sydney Anderson, the Associate Director of Student-Athlete Development, organized and led the event for the third time. 

“Every year, this tour grows — not just in size, but in depth, in meaning, and in heart,” She said. “What started as a simple idea to expose our student-athletes to career possibilities has evolved into something far more powerful. Each stop, each conversation, and each shared moment helps shape who these young people are becoming. This year in Seattle, I witnessed a new level of vulnerability, courage, and curiosity from our students. They showed up fully — eager to learn, unafraid to ask questions, and ready to see themselves beyond their sport.

And that’s what makes this so special. The growth they experienced wasn’t just professional — it was deeply personal. I saw confidence spark in real time, heard dreams be spoken out loud for the first time, and watched connections turn into possibility. That doesn’t happen without the incredible professionals who welcomed us with open arms, shared their stories, and poured into our group with honesty and care.

I’m so grateful for their generosity and the way they continue to show up for our student-athletes year after year. This year was truly unforgettable — and I’m walking away more inspired than ever to keep building experiences like this. Our students deserve it.”

The first day of the event focused on self-discovery, personal growth, and connection. Myles Alexander, an LCSL Campus Partner, led a workshop on strengths, values, and alignment to help students understand who they are at their core. The program involved completing reflection exercises that challenged individuals to learn more about themselves and their personal growth.

Day one concluded with an interactive game night, allowing students to get to know each other while developing self-confidence and networking skills. 

Joey Schneck, a rising redshirt sophomore wrestler, attended the event for a second year. He wanted to expand on everything he learned last time, and returning to the tour was the perfect way to continue building his future.

“On the last Career Exposure Tour, I had the opportunity to grow my networking skills and meet a lot of new people,” he said. “I knew that by coming on this trip, I would get the opportunity to use the skills I learned again, and hopefully make more meaningful connections.” 

The second day was all about career development. Students had the opportunity to explore some of the world's most advanced industries, including healthcare and technology. The day began at St. Anne Hospital, an affiliate of the Virginia Mason Medical Center, where student-athletes rotated through various stations, learning about a future in the medical field.

Each station explored different aspects of the industry, from clinical work to intersections with other sectors. Ashley Thomas, a rising senior track and field sprinter, found the trip especially meaningful. 

“I really enjoyed my experience at the Virginia Mason Medical Center because it gave me exposure to different careers in the work field, and I was very excited and pleased with the hands-on experience I got, especially with the surgery unit and the Family Birth Center sector. I look forward to using the connections I made from this experience in the future as I go into my senior year and prepare for PA school,” she said. 

Student-athletes continued their day with a visit to Microsoft’s global headquarters, where they were welcomed by Max Myers, a former Maryland track and field standout who has built a thriving career in software engineering. 

A proud Maryland Made alum, Myers was deeply engaged in student-athlete development during his time in College Park and remains committed to paying it forward. Thanks to his support and leadership, the group took part in a dynamic panel discussion, toured cutting-edge innovation spaces, and connected with members of the “Blacks at Microsoft” employee resource group.

Two of the panelists were also University of Maryland alumni, adding a powerful sense of connection and relatability as they shared their personal and professional journeys. The group offered candid reflections on breaking into the tech industry and navigating life after college athletics, leaving student-athletes both inspired and equipped with new perspectives on their own potential paths.

The third day circled back to personal development, with a stronger emphasis on culture and authenticity. The day kicked off at the Seattle Seahawks' state-of-the-art practice facility, where student-athletes immersed themselves in a hands-on professional development experience. 

They participated in mock interviews with industry professionals, receiving personalized feedback to sharpen their communication skills and boost their confidence. The group also revisited and refined their elevator pitches, learning how to effectively articulate their strengths, passions, and goals beyond athletics.

Adding a unique energy to the day, students caught subtle glimpses of Seahawks players on the field as practice was underway, offering an inspiring reminder of the dedication and hard work behind professional sports.

The highlight of the morning was an engaging panel discussion featuring seven accomplished professionals from different expertises. Panelists shared personal stories, career insights, and advice on navigating life after college, emphasizing the importance of networking, self-advocacy, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. The setting, paired with the authenticity of the conversations, created an empowering atmosphere that challenged student-athletes to think bigger about what’s possible for their futures.

The day continued with a powerful visit to the Wing Luke Museum, thoughtfully orchestrated by Tim Wang, founder of TDW+Co—a multicultural marketing agency dedicated to amplifying diverse voices. Tim not only helped coordinate the experience but also joined the group to share his personal story, offering insight into his journey as an Asian American entrepreneur and the importance of identity, community, and representation in his work.

Through immersive exhibits, student-athletes explored the rich history and contributions of Asian American communities in Seattle, while also examining the intersectionality of Black and Brown experiences in the city. The group concluded the visit with a stop at Tai Tung, Bruce Lee’s favorite restaurant, taking a moment to appreciate its cultural significance and connection to Seattle’s Asian American heritage.

Day four began with a VIP tour of Boeing’s facilities, led by UMD alum Chip Frohlich. Student-athletes gained an in-depth look at the company’s innovations and its pivotal role in advancing global interconnectedness and aerospace technology. A highlight of the visit was a stop at the Safety Dojo—an immersive training and innovation space where employees explore cutting-edge approaches to safety and problem-solving.

Over lunch, the group heard from three different Boeing professionals who shared candid stories about their personal career journeys—the challenges they faced, pivotal moments, and lessons learned along the way. Their insights offered valuable perspectives on navigating the professional world and inspired the student-athletes to envision their own unique paths forward.

Students then attended a networking night at Yard House. Attendees met with Maryland alums to expand their network and present their elevator pitches. 

“We had the opportunity to meet with different Maryland alumni, as well as people who are associated with Maryland in general,” Mir McLean, a graduate student on the women’s basketball team, said. “This is where we got to share our elevator pitches.”

The day ended with a trip to Climate Pledge Arena to watch the Seattle Storm take on the Minnesota Lynx. The game allowed students to build connections with their peers while supporting women’s sports. 

The final day kicked off at the Community Center for Education Results, where student-athletes had the opportunity to connect with industry experts during a powerful panel discussion titled “The Power of Partnership: Enhancing Supports for Seamless Postsecondary Transitions and Mental Well-being in the Workplace.”

Panelists explored how collaboration between educational institutions, employers, and community organizations can create stronger networks that ease the transition from college athletics to professional careers. They also addressed the importance of mental well-being in the workplace, sharing strategies for maintaining balance, fostering supportive environments, and prioritizing self-care amid career pressures.

The conversation offered student-athletes valuable insights into navigating life after sports, emphasizing that thriving in their next chapter requires not only skills and experience but also holistic support and strong partnerships.

Attendees then traveled to Starbucks headquarters for an engaging visit led by UMD alum Eric Solomon. The student-athletes learned about the company’s origins and its journey to becoming a global leader in the industry. Before diving into the formal sessions, they enjoyed a coffee tasting experience that allowed them to connect casually and share their personal interests, setting a relaxed and welcoming tone for the day.

Following the tasting, the group broke into smaller breakout sessions where they engaged more deeply with Starbucks professionals, gaining first-hand insight into the company’s leadership principles and values.

“We got to ask a lot of questions about the leadership and value that Starbucks holds, which was really helpful to see how such a large corporation can still care so much about their culture and employees,” said Neve O’Ferrall, a rising senior women’s lacrosse student-athlete.

Overall, the Career Exposure Tour was an unforgettable journey that empowered student-athletes to envision their lives beyond sports. They left equipped with valuable skills, fresh perspectives, and a growing professional network — essential tools to confidently pursue their future careers.

“The Career Exposure Tour was so much fun, and I recommend it to any UMD student-athlete who wants to learn more about themselves and grow as a leader,” said Neve O’Ferrall, a rising senior women’s lacrosse player.

Looking ahead, Maryland Made is excited to build on this success and make next year’s tour even bigger and better. The program warmly invites professionals, alumni, community partners, and potential sponsors to join in creating more transformative experiences that prepare student-athletes for thriving futures. Whether through sharing expertise, hosting site visits, or providing financial support, involvement can make a meaningful difference!

To get involved, please feel free to reach out to Sydney Anderson, Associate Director of Student-Athlete Development.