CareerTreks Program Opens Doors for Beacon Students
By Gabrielle Russon
Beacon College students participating in a new, intensive two-week summer program embarked on field trips to some of Florida’s largest companies and nonprofits making a difference. It was all part of CareerTreks25, which aims to open students’ eyes to different career opportunities and teach them how to get their foot in the door.
“We are trying to move students’ mindsets toward more skills-based learning and opportunities they wouldn’t typically be aware of, versus simply job titles that sound like their majors,” said Melissa Bradley, director of the Center for Career Preparation. “CareerTreks is a great opportunity for students who are undecided about what career path they want to pursue because they are being exposed to so much. It’s helping them lift boundaries they may have inadvertently set for themselves. It’s also a great opportunity for first- and second-year students to begin pursuing internship opportunities.”
The good news? CareerTreks26 is scheduled for next May. Students should watch for updates in Handshake and via text messages about how and when to register.
CareerTreks, which counts toward the experiential learning hours required for graduation, is open to students of all years and majors, including seniors graduating in May 2026 with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
In May, 28 students in the inaugural CareerTreks cohort toured Publix’s corporate headquarters, Amazon, and Electronic Arts’ Orlando studio. The experience showed Jayden Schetroma, a senior majoring in computer information systems, how many employers need cybersecurity experts.
“The program opened my eyes to more possibilities,” said Schetroma, 22, who is from Idaho and preparing to graduate in December. “I wish they offered it when I was a freshman because it really helps.”
Another participant, Noah Onslow, appreciated the hands-on activities, such as packing 200 boxes of canned goods for a food bank, while learning about the nonprofit’s mission.
“Small things could really make the biggest difference,” said Onslow, a psychology junior from Maryland who turns 21 in August. Hoping to work in law enforcement someday, Onslow said he joined CareerTreks to build his résumé. “I always like to find advancements for pursuing my career and getting more experience,” he said.
On one excursion, anthrozoology and psychology majors visited Easterseals of North Florida, a horse farm used for intensive behavior therapy for children. Students spoke with employees about their educational backgrounds and career paths.
“We were able to not only gain experience and see if there’s anything else that really interests us for a career, but we were also able to make some really good connections with people from these companies,” Onslow said. He hopes to participate again next year.
Other CareerTreks participants learned from leaders at 4Rivers Restaurant Group — known for its barbecue in Central Florida — and its sister operation, 4Roots Farm. Students explored the business of running a major restaurant franchise and learned about farm-to-table philanthropy and sustainable food education programs.
Sometimes, psychology junior Evelyn Hardin feels overwhelmed thinking about her future. “It’s intimidating. I’m really nervous for when I leave Beacon,” said Hardin, 22, of Largo. “I’m trying to focus on my career plan so I know what I want to do when I get out, so I can be somewhat prepared.”
That’s why CareerTreks was so impactful for her. It helped calm her anxiety and made her feel more ready to join the workforce, she said.
Hardin also said she learned the importance of professionalism. Students were required to be punctual and wear Beacon polo shirts and casual slacks, similar to a work uniform. “It was very strict, almost like having a job,” she said. “It was kind of like getting us ready for the real world when it’s time to work.”
Students also created business cards and updated their LinkedIn profiles. “Honestly, I was so excited because now I get to network and give people my business card,” Hardin said.