CWIB Takes on the Capital

Collegiate Women in Business (CWIB) at Virginia Tech is well-known for hosting business treks that members get to go on. So far this semester, the CWIB women have ventured to New York, Richmond, and most recently, Washington D.C. These treks are an amazing opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and visit new places, as well as get a little insight of the corporate world many of us will end up in after college.

The ladies on the D.C. Trek departed on November 16 and came back the next day. There were 12 people who went on the trip, and for nine of them, it was their first time going on a trek! On Thursday night, they had dinner at Tyson’s Corner Center with Virginia Tech alumni who currently work for Deloitte. Deloitte is one of the “Big 4” accounting corporations, specializing in areas such as auditing and consulting. Afterwards, they had the chance to explore the mall and the city and get to know each other better.

“You get to meet and interact with so many people that you wouldn’t have had the chance to meet before,” says Rajni Kapania, a sophomore on the trek.On Friday, CWIB visited the Ernst and Young (EY) office in McLean. EY is another one of the “Big 4” firms, specializing in accounting and corporate services. They had the opportunity to tour the office and network with employees, and later heard a panel of women employed by EY who gave advice about their career paths.

Abby Perkins, a freshman who was also on the trek, recalled a quote from one of the EY women that had an impact on her. “The question being asked was "What's one piece of advice you'd give to a 19-year-old you?" One of the ladies said, "Be confident! No 'I was just wondering', or 'I think'. The best thing you have going for yourself is YOU. Build a name for yourself and take ownership - make things happen!”

CWIB then visited Axa Advisors, a financial services and global insurance company located in D.C., and heard advice from employees about financial planning and what it’s like to pursue a career in finance.

Last but not least, they went to Cvent, a private company in Tyson’s Corner that specializes in meetings management technology. Here, they had more freedom to talk with alumni and other employees and ask them any questions. They got to learn more in-depth about the software industry and tackling hurdles as a businesswoman. “I liked that Cvent was very focused on being independent and responsible,” says Abby.

Overall, the trek proved to be a huge success. CWIB members got the chance to network, ask questions, learn about different career paths and fields of study, and be inspired. Business is a world of making connections and using them to accomplish your goals, so this is an opportunity you can’t miss. Going on a trek gives you everything to gain and nothing to lose.

People who’ve gone on these treks have had nothing but positive experiences. Rajni, who has been on multiple treks before, says, “The treks really inspired me because seeing women accomplish things made me think I could do the same thing.” Abby, who was a first-timer, had to agree. “While I was the only freshman on the trek, the exposure was great. Going on CWIB treks definitely help you ease into the business world and give you experience you wouldn't be able to get on your own,” she says.

Curious to see what the hype is all about? Keep an eye out for CWIB’s next trek, so you can be a part of the experience!

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