Torero Treks

Torero Treks are career exploration trips providing USD undergraduate students the opportunity to visit top companies to learn about career paths and connect with professionals and alumni in a variety of industries. Torero Treks typically include visits to 2 companies that represent top organizations in a specific region or industry. Treks may include alumni panels, tours, and networking opportunities.

Currently enrolled undergraduate students of all majors are encouraged to apply.

A maximum of 33 students will be selected to participate in each Trek. Some Treks may be smaller based on employer space requirements or restrictions.

Students must submit an online application (found on the Trek website) by the deadline to be considered to participate in each Trek. Our team will review all complete applications and notify students that have been selected or waitlisted the week following the application deadline.

All San Diego (and local area) Torero Treks are free to attend. Students who attend Travel Torero Treks (overnight treks outside of San Diego county), may incur costs associated with traveling to the Trek city, lodging, and some meals. For overnight travel treks, funding opportunities may be available to help offset some expenses. (Please see the Bay Area Torero Trek section for information about funding opportunities and travel (overnight) trek requirements). Funding availability and criteria are subject to change and may vary by trek.

Students who are accepted to participate in the Trek will be required to complete the following tasks:

1. Complete a commitment form (link sent via email).
2. We highly encourage students to polish and refine their resume and update their LinkedIn profile prior to the trek. Students may make an appointment to meet with a career counselor through Handshake or visit the Career Development Center to have their Linkedin or resume reviewed.
3. Attend the entirety of the Torero Trek, including any associated networking and alumni reception.
4. Complete an evaluation survey following the completion of the Trek.

Our team will be evaluating and selecting all applicants. Applications will be evaluated on completeness, thoughtfulness and relevancy. The application process is competitive. We encourage students to take the time to develop a quality application that demonstrates what they hope to gain by participating in the Trek and why they are interested in that particular Trek and/or the companies participating.

Our team focuses primarily on the student's answers to the short essay question. We recommend that you type your answers in Microsoft Word (or another word processor) and copy/paste your answers into the application form.

Here is a short list of helpful application tips to keep in mind:

1. Connect the Trek to your specific career interests, skills, or experiences, and mention at least one participating company that interests you.
2. Include at least one clear example (course, project, job, or experience) that shows your interest in exploring this industry.
3. Aim for 100–150 words, proofread your response, be yourself, and make it authentic.

Students will receive a notification email the week following the application deadline. If you are waitlisted, you may be offered a spot on the Trek at any time following the original notification day.

Please see the Trek event page above to learn more about which organizations you will be visiting during the Trek. Organization names and descriptions will be added as they are confirmed.

Students should be prepared to present themselves in a professional manner at all times during the Trek. We recommend business attire. Please make sure to wear comfortable shoes. More information about dress will be covered during the pre-trek emails.

The Career Development Center will provide transportation to local Torero Treks located in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. For non-local (overnight) Treks, please see the FAQ for Bay Area Torero Trek.

Please review our San Diego Sample Itinerary and our Bay Area Trek Sample Itinerary to get an idea of what the Trek day may be like. The final itinerary will be shared with accepted students at the Pre-Trek Meeting.

Please also visit the Trek event page above for more information about which organizations you will be visiting during the Trek.

Yes! Torero Treks are worth up to 3 Flex Points and a Networking Credit for PASSPORT, COMPASS, and CONNECT (Career Readiness Program).

The Bay Area Torero Trek is an immersive one-day program, where students will visit two leading companies to engage with professionals, and network with alumni during an evening dinner.

If you require airfare, the university will cover (pay for) your flight. You must book it through the university’s travel agent, and specific instructions will be provided upon acceptance to the trek program.

Yes, students are responsible for booking and paying for their own lodging for the trek. You should plan to arrive by the evening before the trek for the early morning meet-up of the trek. It is important for students to fully research and consider lodging costs before confirming participation.

• To assist with travel costs for the out of town Torero Trek, the Career Development Center will provide each participant with full funding for flights, which must be booked through the university’s travel agent. Please note that students are responsible for booking and paying for their own lodging accommodations.
• If you are facing financial hardship that would prevent you from covering lodging costs and applying to the trek, please contact the Career Center to discuss possible additional support options.
• Students who need transportation to and from program-related meet-up and end points may also receive Lyft credits. Additional information will be provided during the orientation session.
• All meals during the day of Trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided by USD, all other meals will be the students’ financial responsibility.

The meet-up point will be at (location TBD) at 7:30 AM. You must be there on time to begin the day’s activities.

• The university will arrange group transportation (bus) for all trek-related activities during the day of trek including travel between company visits and to the alumni dinner. You are expected to stay with the group and use the provided transportation for all scheduled activities.
• Students who need transportation to and from program-related meet-up and end points may also receive Lyft credits. Additional information will be provided during the orientation session.

Program time begins at 7:30am at the designated meet-up location (TBD) and ends after the alumni dinner at approximately 8pm. From the meet-up, participants will travel together as a group (via charter bus) for the day’s scheduled activities, including employer visits and the alumni dinner. Any activities outside of these scheduled program events, including transportation to and from lodging or personal outings, fall under personal time. During personal time, participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing.

Please dress in business/smart casual attire suitable for company visits. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there may be some walking between locations. Check the weather closer to the travel date and pack accordingly.

Bring a small bag with essentials, such as a notebook, pen, water bottle, and any personal items you may need throughout the day.

Due to the resources invested, we ask that you notify the Career Center as soon as possible if you can no longer attend. Timely notification will allow us to make alternative arrangements and offer your spot to another student.

Yes, breakfast and lunch will be provided during the day of the Trek, and the evening will include an Alumni Networking Mixer. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or preferences in advance.

Please reach out to Ebony Erickson (ebonyerickson@sandiego.edu) for any specific questions regarding the Trek.

The Career Development Center will provide transportation to Torero Treks located in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. For non-local Treks, the Career Development Center will provide all necessary transportation to company locations once you arrive in the city where the Trek takes place. Students are required to utilize provided transportation during the Trek. If you will require special accommodations, please be sure to let the Career Development Center know prior to the start of the Trek.