From Silicon Valley to Fenway: Whitman Students Explore Careers Across Innovation and Sports Business

Over spring break in March, Whitman School of Management students traded relaxation for career exploration, embarking on immersive trips to the West and East coasts. The Bay to LA Career Exploration Trip and The Business of Sport immersion in Boston provided students ranging from first-years to MBA candidates with unprecedented access to industry leaders, alumni networks and career insights.

In the fourth year of Whitman’s West Coast programming and the inaugural Whitman-Falk partnership in Boston, these experiences reflect the school’s evolving commitment to experiential learning—where classroom knowledge meets real-world application and where alumni connections translate into career opportunities.

Navigating Innovation from the Bay to LA

The Bay to LA Career Exploration Trip marked a milestone in Whitman’s West Coast programming. For the first time, the annual trip split between San Francisco and Los Angeles, bringing together 15 students ranging from freshmen to MBA candidates.

Students explored technology, venture capital, retail innovation, entrepreneurship, and wealth management through visits to Rothy’s, BlackRock, Bernstein Private Wealth Management, LUX Capital, Box and Google.

A standout moment came at LUX Capital, where Peter Hebert ’99 delivered an exceptional master class in venture capital. His story of persistence through rejection and non-linear career success left a lasting impression.

“I loved being given the opportunity to see some of the world’s biggest companies and some entrepreneurial startups—it really showed that everything is not linear and opened my eyes to different company cultures I prefer,” said Heath Megnin ’26, who is studying finance, business analytics and television, radio and film.

Evening networking events, including an intimate dinner in Palo Alto and a reception at The Olympic Club hosted by alumni Derek ’93 and Amy ’92 Thompson, provided opportunities for deeper conversations with alumni in more relaxed settings.

Before heading south, Vamsi Krishna Naraharisetty G’19 arranged a Tesla visit, giving students a firsthand look at the electric vehicles reshaping transportation.

Magic, Finance and Entertainment in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles portion of the trip offered students exposure to industries that define the city’s unique business landscape, from entertainment to wealth management. 

At The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, students experienced what many called the trip’s most memorable day. Students toured the historic lot, stepped inside Walt Disney’s perfectly preserved office and even held his 1958 Academy Award. 

“The highlight of the trip was the exposure to diverse business models,” said Ivey Chitanda, MBA ’27. “It broadened my perspective on career flexibility, showing me that I can integrate expertise from multiple sectors.”

Later that day, students visited IEQ Capital, where Frank McFarland ’94 energized the group with insights about wealth management and opportunities on the West Coast. McFarland extended his hospitality further by hosting a networking event at his home in Santa Monica, featuring food prepared by alumna Kiano Moju ’13, owner of Jikoni Culinary Creative Studio.

The evening proved especially meaningful for students, offering a more personal connection to the Orange network.

“The alumni were incredibly warm and connected with us so genuinely,” said Akriti Chhetri, MS Marketing ’27. “The conversations went deep into things I actually needed to hear: how to navigate the job market as a new grad, how to build a personal brand early on, and what real career paths look like with a marketing degree. The networking tips I picked up were practical and honest, not the rehearsed advice you usually get at formal events. And a small touch that meant a lot: the food was catered by a Syracuse alum, which made the whole evening feel like one big community coming together. It was one of those nights I’ll genuinely remember.”

The Business of Sport: An Inaugural Partnership in Boston

In Boston, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Whitman School of Management and the David B. Falk College of Sport brought 20 students to one of America’s most iconic sports towns to explore how business and sports intersect.

Over four days, students visited New Balance, Catapult, DraftKings, the Boston Red Sox, the Celtics Organization, Boston Legacy FC, the Boston Bruins, TD Garden and Kraft Analytics Group (KAGR), experiencing career paths spanning ticket sales and marketing to analytics and business strategy.

At New Balance headquarters, students got rare access to the research lab where professional athletes test footwear, guided by alumna Caroline Dorfman '22.

At Catapult, they discovered how data science and analytics are transforming athlete performance tracking at every level of sport. 

The DraftKings team delivered practical advice on resumes and breaking into the industry, while a visit to Boston Legacy FC—just days before their inaugural game—let students witness the electric energy of building a franchise from the ground up. 

At Fenway Park, students engaged with the Red Sox organization across multiple functions, from fan engagement and premium ticket sales to business strategy and analytics. They also heard advice that would resonate throughout the week. "Your network is your net worth," said Seth Shuman of the Red Sox, reinforcing the importance of making the most of every connection.

An evening networking event at View Boston put that advice into practice, connecting students with alumni across diverse industries and graduates thriving in sports business roles.

The week's highlight came during a surprise appearance from Jessica Gelman, CEO of Kraft Analytics Group, who shared her journey breaking into sports and revealed how analytics now drive decision-making across the Kraft Sports and Entertainment portfolio. "Hearing Jessica Gelman speak about finding workplaces that support women in leadership was particularly meaningful," said Gabrielle Ovadje, a finance and marketing student. 

The Human Element: Beyond Site Visits

For trip advisors, the most meaningful moments happened between scheduled visits—conversations in transit where students opened up about their discoveries and aspirations.

“Watching students discover career paths they’re excited about—or realize what isn’t for them—is truly the best part of what we do,” reflected Emily Shaughnessy, who advised the Bay to LA trip.

The sentiment echoed in Boston, where the Whitman-Falk partnership created unexpected opportunities for connection. Students from different programs discovered shared interests and built relationships that extended beyond their home schools.

"As a finance and marketing student, this trip opened my eyes to the possibility of pursuing a career on the business side of sports," said Gabrielle Ovadje.

Building Careers, One Connection at a Time

The March trips build on Whitman's January momentum in Los Angeles and New York, creating a rhythm of experiential learning opportunities throughout the academic year. The Whitman-Falk partnership in Boston opens new doors for cross-school collaboration and shows what's possible when programs unite around shared goals.

For students, these aren't just company tours. They're career-defining moments: the conversation that sparks clarity, the connection that opens doors, the confidence that carries forward long after spring break ends. 

As Whitman expands its portfolio of career exploration programs, one goal remains constant: every student graduates with at least one experience that transforms how they see their future.

Whether exploring Silicon Valley's tech giants, Disney's storied studios, or Boston's sports business ecosystem, students return to campus with more than new contacts. They return with conviction, direction, and stories they'll carry for life.