Torero Trek FAQs

Torero Treks are career exploration days providing USD undergraduate students the opportunity to visit top companies across the country to learn about career paths and connect with professionals and alumni in a variety of industries. Torero Treks typically include visits to 2-4 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. Preference is given to juniors and seniors and to students who have not attended a past Torero Trek.

A maximum of 30 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 application via Handshake by the deadline to be considered to participate in each Trek. The application link can be found on the specific Torero Trek information page.  A committee will review all complete applications and notify students that have been selected or waitlisted the week following the application deadline.  You do not need to submit your resume to apply, but will need to submit it if selected for the Trek.

Selected students are responsible for submitting a $50 refundable deposit to secure their place on the Torero Trek.  In addition to a $50 deposit, each student will be responsible for the costs of transportation to Treks that don’t originate from USD.  Please see below for information about scholarship eligibility.  The cost of meals and transportation during the Trek will be covered by the Career Development Center and participating employers.  

After successful completion of the Trek, students can pick up their $50 deposit from the Career Development Center up to two weeks post-Trek.  If students do not return for their deposit by the stated deadline, it may be absorbed into the Torero Trek scholarship fund.

Scholarships are available to help offset the cost of transportation and hotel accommodations for students who show a financial "ability to benefit" through USD. Scholarship amounts are unique to each student and are based on information provided by the Office of Financial Aid. 

Students do not have to separately apply for this scholarship, but they are able to opt out if they wish.  In the Torero Trek application, students will be asked whether or not they consent to limited information from the Office of Financial Aid being shared with the Career Development Center for the purpose of scholarship determination/calculation.

Nearly all students who demonstrate an ability to benefit will be offered a scholarship to help offset partial cost of destination treks. Students are notified about scholarship eligibility via email after being accepted onto a Trek and before the commitment form and deposit is due

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) and submit a $50 refundable deposit to the Career Development Center by the stated deadline. The deposit will be refunded at the completion of the Trek to those students that participate in the full Trek, and complete the post-survey evaluation.
2. Polish and refine your resume for inclusion in a resume book that will be distributed to all participating organizations. It is recommended that you meet with a career counselor to have your resume reviewed prior to submission. You may make an appointment to meet with a career counselor through Handshake or visit the Career Development Center during drop-in hours.
3. Attend a Pre-Trek Meeting where students will sign important Trek document and discuss the Trek itinerary, transportation, and trip guidelines.
4. Attend the entirety of the Torero Trek
5. Complete an evaluation survey following the completion of the Trek.

A selection committee 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.

The selection committee focuses primarily on the answers provided by the student to the short essay questions.  We recommend that you type your answers in Microsoft Word (or another word processor) and copy/paste your answers into Handshake.  See below for the Torero Trek Selection Rubric:

Students will be notified, via 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 visit the Torero Trek webpage 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 Meeting.

Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to the city where the Trek originates, if USD is not the starting point of the Trek. The Career Development Center will provide transportation to Treks located in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. 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.

Please visit the Torero Trek website for more information about which organizations you will be visiting during the Trek. This page will be updated as organizations confirm their participation. The final itinerary will be shared with accepted students at the Pre-Trek Meeting.

Yes, Torero Treks are worth up to 3 Passport Points and a Networking Credit for the Passport Program and are worth Connect points through the Compass Program.