2026 Vandy in the Valley Program & Trek

Imagine stepping inside one of the world’s most influential tech ecosystems—meeting the people building what’s next, exploring careers shaping the future, and seeing your own place in it. The Vandy in the Valley Trek, an inaugural immersive experience hosted by the Vanderbilt University Career Center, invites students to Silicon Valley for an inside look at innovation in action. 

Through exclusive site visits, hands-on skill-building, and meaningful connections with industry leaders and accomplished Vanderbilt alumni, students will gain unparalleled exposure to the tech world beyond the classroom.

From educational programming beginning in February 2026 to travel in California from July 28–31, 2026, participants will explore a wide range of roles across the tech sector—whether you’re curious about AI, software engineering, product management, or emerging tech pathways. This trek offers a real-world lens into what’s possible and how to get there.

Open to rising sophomores and juniors of all majors, the Vandy in the Valley Trek is designed for students eager to learn, connect, and envision a future in tech. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore, engage, and spark what’s next. 

How will participation develop the students professionally?

• Students will receive guidance and resources on the trek's target industries and professional development/skill-building.
• Students can actively take part in employer programming highlighting the significance of networking, navigating life and career in Silicon Valley after college, and outlining key steps for success for students entering the industry.

Additional Dates to Note

• Vandy in the Valley Required Virtual Sessions:
  • February 19th – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CT
    • Vandy in the Valley Program Kickoff: West Coast Engineering Industry Networking Night
  • February 26th – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. CT
  • March 6th – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • March 19th – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • March 26th – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • April 2nd – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
• Virtual Pre-Trek Workshops: Mid-July 2026
  • If selected, students are required to attend one out of two workshop sessions offered.
    • July 14th, 12-12:45 PM CT: Pre-Trek Workshop, Option I
    • July 15th, 3-3:45 PM CT: Pre-Trek Workshop, Option II
• Vandy in Valley Trek: July 28-31, 2026
  • Tentative Schedule:
    • July 28th: Morning: Travel to Silicon Valley | Evening: Networking Night
    • July 29th & 30th: Trek Site Visits
      • Trek concludes evening of July 30th 
    • July 31st: Morning: Depart Silicon Valley
• Required Post-Trek Survey: August 3-7, 2026

*IMPORTANT: Travel & Accommodations  

The cost of a domestic round-trip flight and a three-night hotel stay will be fully covered for participating students. However, all travel arrangements will follow a set itinerary with no flexibility for alternative plans. For example, departure for Silicon Valley will be on July 28th and return on July 31st. If you wish to arrive earlier or depart later, you will be responsible for booking your own flight and covering any associated costs. All students traveling on the funded itinerary must adhere to the group travel schedule.  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

If you have any questions, please contact Erica Betz (erica.m.betz@vanderbilt.edu) or Paresh Patel (paresh.patel@Vanderbilt.Edu). 

 Please complete the Microsoft Form listed below. The deadline to submit your application is 11:59 pm CT Sunday, February 1, 2026. Fill out the complete application form and submit your resume in PDF format on Handshake. Both elements must be submitted for the application to be considered complete. 

Application: 2026 VANDY IN THE VALLEY PROGRAM AND TREK APPLICATION – Fill out form

The application will require responses to the following questions: 

• What tech industry trend, issue, or innovation do you find most fascinating, and why? 
• There are many types of jobs and internships in the tech industry, and each has different requirements, expectations, and required skill sets. Considering what you’d like to do in the future, what insight do you hope to gain on this trek? Your answer can include hard skills as well as soft skills.  
• What are the strengths, skills, and interests you have that would make you an asset to our 2026 cohort of the Vandy in Silicon Valley Trek participants?  
• While several companies are under consideration for insider tours and the educational component, please share your top 3 Silicon Valley-based companies of interest for awareness and programming alignment. 
• Please share your post-graduation plans, including locations of interest. 
• Please share anything else you’d like the review committee to know about you that may help us in our admissions decision. Note: This question is not required! 

Note: At the Career Center, we recognize you may not know an exact title or industry yet, and so if you are still exploring, please explain within your responses how this experience could help you gain clarity about your future.