Experiential Treks

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What is an Experiential Trek (E-Trek)?

E-Treks are immersive learning experiences that provide students with opportunities to engage and network with professionals while getting more acquainted with the culture of the Bay Area. The treks are open to all undergraduate students on the Oakland campus, and we are expecting all 800 students to participate.

The day will involve student visits to diverse organizations and corporations in the morning. Following these excursions, students will participate in activities that help them to consider what they learned during the visit and reflect upon their own academic and career journey. These activities will challenge you to think critically about your future including seeking co-ops, attending graduate school, selecting a major, and more.

Oakland E Treks

Spring 2025

Students will have the opportunity to visit one Bay Area company to learn more about their purpose, organizational structure, and more. Participants will interact with leaders (and maybe Northeastern alumni) to ask questions about how best to prepare during their college years (what types of academic background and experience needed) to secure co-ops and future employment.

Click on the links below to learn more about each Trek and register.

Adverum Technologies is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing gene therapies for rare and chronic diseases. Based in Redwood City, CA, Adverum’s innovative pipeline focuses on addressing unmet medical needs through cutting-edge genetic engineering and advanced delivery platforms. Their mission is to transform patient lives by offering durable and effective treatments.

What to expect on this E-TREK: Tour Adverum’s facilities and hear from scientists, researchers, and professionals in biotechnology. Learn about the latest advancements in gene therapy and explore career opportunities in the biotech industry.

Learn more and register for the Spring 2025 E-Trek with Adverum Technologies.

Ambi Robotics is an artificial intelligence and robotics company focused on solving supply chain challenges through cutting-edge automation solutions. Based in Berkeley, CA, Ambi Robotics designs advanced robotic systems powered by AI to streamline e-commerce fulfillment and logistics operations. Their mission is to empower businesses with intelligent tools that improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

What to expect on this E-TREK: Tour Ambi Robotics’ facilities and observe their robotic systems in action. You’ll hear from professionals in AI development, robotics engineering, and operations management, gaining a deeper understanding of how robotics and machine learning are transforming supply chains.

Learn more and register for the Spring 2025 E-Trek with Ambi Robotics.

Casa Sanchez is a family-owned business specializing in authentic Mexican food products, including fresh salsas, chips, and tamales. Based in San Francisco, Casa Sanchez has been serving the Bay Area for decades, earning a reputation for quality and tradition. The company is deeply committed to sustainability, community engagement, and preserving Mexican culinary heritage.

What to expect on this E-TREK: Visit Casa Sanchez’s production facility and learn about their manufacturing process, marketing strategies, and commitment to sustainability. Meet with professionals in operations, product development, and sales to gain a behind-the-scenes look at running a successful food business.

Learn more and register for the Spring 2025 E-Trek with Casa Sanchez.

Databricks is a leading data and AI company that simplifies data engineering, data science, and machine learning processes for organizations. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Databricks enables businesses to unify their data and accelerate innovation with its powerful, cloud-based platform. The company’s mission is to help teams make data-driven decisions and solve the world’s toughest problems with AI.

What to expect on this E-TREK: Visit Databricks’ headquarters and interact with professionals in engineering, data science, and customer success. Learn about the company’s innovative platform and its impact on industries ranging from finance to healthcare. Gain insights into the role of data and AI in shaping the future of business.

Learn more and register for the Spring 2025 E-Trek with Databricks.

The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is a Napa-based institution that celebrates the work of Northern California artists through exhibitions, public programs, and education. Spanning 217 scenic acres, the center houses a collection of nearly 2,000 works, offering visitors an immersive experience of art and nature. Di Rosa’s mission is to inspire creativity and reflection by showcasing contemporary art and fostering dialogue about the region’s cultural and artistic heritage.

What to expect on this E-TREK: You will tour the di Rosa galleries and grounds, learn about the unique collection, and hear from professionals in curatorial, education, and arts administration roles. Gain insight into how art institutions engage communities and sustain creative ecosystems.

Learn more and register for the Spring 2025 E-Trek with di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art.

Fujitsu is a global technology leader specializing in IT services, computing solutions, and digital transformation. Headquartered in Japan with a significant presence worldwide, Fujitsu provides innovative solutions in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and sustainability. The company partners with organizations across industries to drive growth, improve efficiency, and create a more connected and sustainable world.

What to expect on this E-TREK: Visit Fujitsu’s Bay Area office and learn about their latest innovations in IT services and sustainability initiatives. Engage with professionals in software development, product management, and corporate strategy to explore the company’s role in advancing technology and solving global challenges.

Learn more and register for the Spring 2025 E-Trek with Fujitsu.

Gameheads is a game design training program that equips low-income and underrepresented youth with the tech and life skills they need to succeed at school, in their careers, and beyond. Based out of Oakland, CA, Gameheads uses video game design, development and DevOps to engage, prepare, and youth ages 15-24 in the Bay Area for careers in tech and video game industries. Through a powerful medium that youth are familiar with and passionate about, students learn how to code, design, manage projects, work in teams, lead, and create interactive projects that tell stories to enrich us all.

What to expect on this E-TREK: During this Trek, you will tour the Gameheads office and hear from professionals across various roles, including communications, program management, and program coordination. You’ll gain firsthand insights into how these experts engage and empower low-income youth through video game design and development.

Learn more and register for the Spring 2025 E-Trek with Gameheads.

Plug and Play is a global innovation platform that connects startups, corporations, and investors to drive technological advancement and foster business growth. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, Plug and Play operates in over 50 locations worldwide, focusing on industries such as fintech, health, sustainability, and mobility. The platform supports entrepreneurs through accelerator programs, corporate innovation initiatives, and investment opportunities.

What to expect on this E-TREK: Explore Plug and Play’s Silicon Valley headquarters and hear from innovation leaders, startup mentors, and venture capital experts. You’ll learn about the intersection of entrepreneurship and corporate partnerships and gain insights into fostering innovation at scale.

Learn more and register for the Spring 2025 E-Trek with Plug and Play.

SAP, which stands for Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing, is a multinational software corporation based in Germany. SAP is best known for its enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, which helps businesses manage various aspects of their operations, including finance, human resources, supply chain, manufacturing, procurement, sales, and customer relationship management (CRM).

What to expect on this E-TREK: During this Trek you will get to explore SAP’s San Francisco location and hear from select leaders across a range of roles and areas such as cloud computing, supply chain management, analytics, and business intelligence, and more. You can expect a tour and career panel.

Learn more and register for the Spring 2025 E-Trek with SAP.

Stanford Medicine is a world-renowned academic medical center that combines research, education, and clinical care to improve human health. Located in Stanford, CA, the institution is committed to advancing medical innovation through cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Stanford Medicine focuses on training the next generation of healthcare leaders and delivering compassionate, high-quality patient care.

What to expect on this E-TREK: Tour Stanford Medicine’s facilities and hear from professionals in research, healthcare, and administration. Gain insights into groundbreaking medical advancements and the role of interdisciplinary teams in shaping the future of healthcare.

Learn more and register for the Spring 2025 E-Trek with Stanford Medicine.

The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (The Made) is a nonprofit organization in Oakland, CA, dedicated to preserving and showcasing video game history. The museum offers exhibits, educational programs, and events that celebrate gaming culture, technology, and storytelling. The Made serves as a hub for gaming enthusiasts and fosters community through the shared appreciation of video games as an art form.

What to expect on this E-TREK: Tour The Made’s exhibits and explore the history and evolution of video games. Engage with professionals who manage the museum’s collections, develop educational programs, and curate exhibits. Learn how The Made preserves gaming history and inspires future generations through interactive storytelling.

Learn more and register for the Spring 2025 E-Trek with The Made.