At-A-Glance New York City Tour

Financial aid and scholarships awarded by the university should go to any college level enrolled credit hours. Any external scholarships like WH Thompson/Buffett and NCPA should apply to the course.  However, it would be best to have checked with the administrator of any external scholarship or funding in advance of registering for the study tour.

Students must enroll in TMFD 492 Domestic Study Tour for 3 credits in Spring 2024. This course will count toward the required TMFD elective graduation requirements.

The approximate number of visits to industry professionals will not be solidified until about one month before we leave, however, we can expect around 15 visits to corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, or retail operations. We also expect to visit at least one museum and will attend one Broadway musical.

We will fly to NYC as a group from Eppley Airport in Omaha. Airfare and arrangements are included in the registration costs to attend the study tour. Students will be expected to arrange their own transportation to and from Eppley Airport in Omaha. 

Students will engage in two professional development seminars:

• Professional Etiquette Seminar We will participate in a 1-hour seminar which focuses on the most important communication skills you need to know as you enter the workforce.  We will cover topics including how to interact with colleagues and maintain those relationships; how to navigate office etiquette and culture; and how to be the most mature young professional you can be. You will walk away with pieces of advice you will use throughout your career (and life!). This seminar is taught by a Communications specialist who has worked with beloved global brands including LinkedIn, Airbnb, Johnson & Johnson, Planet Hollywood, Maybelline and Men’s Health, and who currently leads young professionals in the Public Relations industry.  She will draw from experiences in her career working with CEO’s, celebrities, and executives across a wide range of industries to ensure you are confident and prepared for your next job opportunity!

• Assortment Planning Seminar We will have a condensed version of a budget planning and inventory management class.  Holland will show the students some of the tools she has used throughout her career to purchase products wisely and maintain control over the budget she has been required to achieve.  We will act as swimsuit buyers to put the practices in place.

   

Rooms will be assigned in quads. This means that each student will share a hotel room with 2 double or queen beds and one bathroom with 3 other students. Students will be allowed to request roommates. However, while student requests will be factored into the decisions, the final room assignments will be made at the discretion of the faculty leaders. We cannot guarantee that all requests will be granted.

• 1 piece of luggage. There is a 50 lb. weight limit for luggage on the flight.
• We suggest leaving room in your suitcase for souvenirs and other purchases.
• Your suitcase will stay in your room with the suitcases of your 3 roommates for the entire trip.
• Liquids that you will have in your carry on must go in a small plastic baggie. 
• Liquids that you carry on must be 3 ounces and under. Lip gloss and toothpaste are both considered liquids. 
• See “What to pack” for suggestions for what clothing to pack.

Course work will include work before, during and after the trip. Below is a general example of what to expect, and most of the work will be done in Canvas.

• Before the Study Tour:
  • Pre-Trip Meetings and Monitoring of Canvas Announcements
  • Industry Research: Students will complete company summaries (1-2 paragraphs per company) and develop at least three questions per company that will be asked at the industry visits. 
  • Business Cards & Resumes: Business cards and resumes are used to network with industry professionals and must be completed before the study tour begins. On the business card, include your name, major, graduation year, email, and phone number.
  • Professional Folder or Binder: This is the place to keep business cards, resumes, a hard-copy of industry research, and questions. In addition, you will want to include blank paper or a notebook to take notes to document experiences that will be included in the reaction summary after the trip. 
• During the Study Tour:
  • Attendance: Attendance will be taken at all scheduled activities and it is your responsibility to be at the appropriate place at the appropriate time. Professional behavior and a positive attitude are expected at all times.
    • Daily Journal & Photographs: In the journal, record your observations, impressions, questions and answers obtained during all visits, tours, presentations, discussions and cultural experiences. Visual documentation (photography) is highly encouraged. 
• After the Study Tour:
  • Reaction Summary: The reaction summary (approximately 3-5 pages) is a synthesis of your study tour experiences.  It is designed as an opportunity for you to articulate your impressions of the experience and relevance to your program and future career.  

• Pack garments that can be layered because Spring weather is unpredictable. It might be warm one day and cold and rainy (or snowy) the next. 
• Bring an umbrella or raincoat.
• Close-toed shoes are recommended for walking as sidewalks are dirty and uneven. 
• Comfortable shoes are a MUST (see section on walking).
• Purses or bags with zippered compartments are recommended to keep valuables (including your phone) safe.
• Remember a driver’s license or passport for air travel!
• Bring your professional folder or binder with business cards, resumes, notebook, pen
• Professional dress clothing for industry appointments, Broadway

New York is an accessible city with multiple types of public transportation as well as Uber and taxi service, but we will be walking A LOT. We estimate that we will walk approximately 5 miles per day in addition to using public transportation.

There will also be a lot of standing, especially for industry visits and museums.