CWIB Takes On the Big Apple

Most Virginia Tech students visited home or other schools for this year’s Fall Break. Meanwhile, a group of Collegiate Women in Business (CWIB) members truly made the most of their weekend. Attending the New York trek, they traveled to the city that never sleeps for a weekend filled with opportunity, inspiration, delicious food, fun and most importantly: empowerment.

The group departed early Thursday morning and arrived in the city around 3 pm. They changed into business attire and dove straight into the heart of New York: Times Square. Taking in the array of flashing lights, vibrant colors and swarms of people, they made their way to Morgan Stanley, a highly respected global financial services firm. Here, CWIB got to attend a Pamplin Women In Business networking event, where Pamplin alumni answered questions and shared their experiences about moving to the city, how they got their current jobs and their advice for CWIB members. After that, everyone had some free time to shop and eat until they went back to the hotel for the night.

Bright and early Friday morning, CWIB made their way to Ralph Lauren where they got to partake in another panel discussion where they learned the history of the renowned company and how the speakers got to where they are. Following this they went to Roc Nation, a recording company owned by Jay Z. Members got a chance to talk to a few incredible women about how they attained a career in which they can incorporate their personal interests into business. Leaving the building feeling inspired and enlightened, they took a break for lunch. Next stop: the Empire State Building. Inside one of the most infamous buildings in America, CWIB met with Linkedin and learned how to perfect their profiles, how to use them to acquire jobs and how to connect with valuable individuals.

After a day filled with unique networking opportunities and beneficial advice, members got to experience some of the best New York has to offer. The group was once again allowed free time in smaller groups of their choice. Some of the girls went to Carmine’s for an Italian dinner that your taste buds dream about. Afterwards, many of them headed to see Wicked on Broadway, an unforgettable experience. CWIB members retired to their comfy beds that night with motivated minds, content stomachs and magical Broadway music still ringing in their ears.

On Saturday morning, bags were being packed with heavy hearts, as the group was scheduled to depart at 10 am. Some members took advantage of their last few hours and had breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust, an infamous restaurant with incredible live performances while you eat.

An interview with Maddie Morgan, a sophomore who attended the trek, provides some more insight on the weekend.

What was your favorite part of the trek?

“I really enjoyed meeting the women at Roc Nation and hearing their advice. It was interesting to see the business side of music, a career field I didn’t know much about. I left there with a new understanding of what it’s like to work in that trade and a lot of food for thought. Also, seeing Wicked was truly amazing; the show was so surreal and something I’ll always remember.”

Why would you recommend attending a trek to another CWIB member?

“Going on these treks really inspires and motivates you to get more involved and excited for your future career. It makes these big dream jobs more of a reality by being able to meet actual Virginia Tech alumni who have made it. Their stories and guidance make you want to create similar goals and work harder to reach them. It is also a great way to feel more connected to CWIB! I have made many new friends and great memories with them; I really feel like I’m a part of something special. Also, the connections you make can end up being so valuable- my internship with the World Bank last summer came from a connection I made on a DC trek!”

What’s one major takeaway you got from this trek?

“There was a reoccurring theme of treating everyone you meet with kindness and professionalism. You never know who you’re talking to and the opportunities and connections they might hold. This was a concept I hadn’t really thought much about before, but after this trek I will definitely be implementing it in my daily life and all future business interactions.”

The valuable networking and fun-filled itinerary combined with Maddie Morgan’s genuine appreciation for the weekend is a powerful testimony to the value of CWIB treks. If you haven’t already signed up for the Richmond and DC treks, remember to keep an eye out for upcoming new ones. You will come back with a sense of empowerment to get closer to your dream career and with new connections that could open life-changing doors.

(All photos courtesy of Maddie Morgan)

#treks #newyorkcity #womeninbusiness