On Location: Carlson Career Treks

Carlson On Location Career Treks are an opportunity for students to learn from and build relationships with alumni, professionals, and employers in their fields of interest. While each trek is uniquely tailored to its specific industry and location, both offer immersive experiences designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional world.

Consulting in Chicago

Explore the world of consulting in one of the nation's top consulting hubs—Chicago! Designed for sophomores, this trek is intentionally timed to help students learn about consulting career paths, recruiting timelines, and how to prepare for future opportunities. Through firm visits and conversations with consultants, recruiters, and Minnesota Carlson alumni, students will gain valuable industry insight while expanding their professional network.

Trip dates: January 13-15, 2026

Timeline:

Applications open September 2, 2026
Applications close September 30, 2026
Interviews will take place after the application closes

Eligibility:

Carlson undergraduate student
An interest in consulting; any major
Cumulative GPA: 3.3+ (We recognize first year students may not have a GPA at time of application, please still apply)
Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior (sophomores are especially encouraged to apply due to Consulting internship recruitment cycles)

Applications are currently closed

Cost:

Lodging expenses and some meals will be covered. While there is no fee to participate in the treks, students are responsible for their own transportation to/from/around Chicago.

If you have any questions about the trek, contact Britney Hayes (bhayes@umn.edu) or Abby Schoenbeck (scho0879@umn.edu).

A wide-angle, low-angle shot of Cloud Gate (popularly known as "The Bean") in Millennium Park, Chicago. The massive, seamless stainless steel sculpture dominates the center of the frame, its reflective surface distorting the surrounding skyscrapers and the overcast sky. Numerous tourists are scattered around the plaza; some walk beneath the sculpture’s central arch, while others take photos or admire the reflection. The urban skyline of downtown Chicago rises prominently in the background under a cloudy, grey sky.

A wide panoramic view of the Lower Manhattan skyline in New York City, taken from across the Hudson River. One World Trade Center stands as the tallest focal point in the center, surrounded by a dense cluster of glass and masonry skyscrapers. Two small white ferries create wakes as they travel across the grey-green water in the foreground. The sky is filled with soft, white cumulus clouds, casting a diffused light over the city and the water.

Investment Banking in New York City

Build your network in the financial capital of the world! On this trek, students visit and learn about companies in New York City, gaining access to recruiters, bankers, and Minnesota Carlson alumni. Explore investment banking and develop essential connections to break into the career path in New York City.

Trip dates: January 11-14, 2027

Timeline:

Applications open: September 2, 2026
Trek information session: September 23, 2026
Applications close: September 30, 2026
Interviews will take place after the application closes

Eligibility:

Carlson undergraduate student
Finance major
Cumulative GPA: 3.5+ (We recognize first year students may not have a GPA at time of application, please still apply)
Freshman, Sophomore (sophomores are especially encouraged to apply due to Investment Banking internship recruiting cycles)

Applications are currently closed

Cost:

There is no fee to participate in the trek, but students are responsible for their own transportation to/from airports and some meals. The Carlson Business Career Center will cover the cost of flights, lodging, some meals, and subway transportation once in New York City.

If you have questions about the NYC trek, please contact Mary Shannon Bocock at msbocock@umn.edu or Kathy Weber at kathyw@umn.edu.

Investment Banking in Chicago

This trek is built for sophomores, and intentionally timed for participants to learn about companies of interest, build relationships with recruiters, and network with Minnesota Carlson alumni in Chicago before the summer internship recruitment cycle begins.

Trip dates: November 4-6, 2026

Timeline:

Applications open: April 22, 2026
Applications close: May 13, 2026
Interviews will take place after the application closes

Eligibility:

Carlson undergraduate student
Finance major
Cumulative GPA: 3.5+
Rising sophomores; students who will be sophomores during trek travel

Applications are currently closed

Cost:

There is no fee to participate in the trek, but students are responsible for their own transportation to/from/around Chicago and some meals. The Carlson Business Career Center will cover the cost of lodging, and some meals.

If you have questions about the NYC trek, please contact Mary Shannon Bocock at msbocock@umn.edu or Kathy Weber at kathyw@umn.edu.

A high-angle, wide shot of the Chicago skyline along the Lake Michigan shoreline, featuring the John Hancock Center as the prominent dark, tapered skyscraper with dual antennae. To the left, a curved sandy beach follows the blue water's edge. The dense urban landscape is filled with a mix of modern and historic high-rises under a clear, pale blue sky during the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.

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