What started as a fun field trip turned into a defining career experience for K-Stater Unique Robinson.
Full steam ahead! K-State’s business team is helping students chug along toward bright futures.
Through K-State’s Rise Up program — an organization dedicated to furthering the opportunities of all business students — Robinson and her peers were immersed in the inner workings of three booming companies: Darling Ingredients, Southwest Airlines and BNSF Railway.
The students visited the companies’ Dallas, Texas, campuses and headquarters, watching presentations and taking tours. Throughout the trip, Rise Up students were expected to engage with employees by asking questions and taking notes.
“It was difficult to stay engaged and keep up the professionalism with back-to-back company visits,” Robinson said. “But I’m very grateful for it because those employers might remember me. It was a great experience for my future.”
Picking favorites
Though all three companies were eye-opening to explore, one business unexpectedly caught Robinson’s attention.
“I expected to enjoy Southwest Airlines the most because of its benefits and popularity, but visiting BNSF Railway was the highlight of my trip,” she said. “Their campus was beautiful with its model trains, open spaces and updated technology.”
Robinson was the most fascinated by the modernity of the central building.
“They had a huge monitor with footage of their railroads and freight trains,” she said. “The employees were split into different sectors watching the east, west, north, south and central railways. It was so organized and aesthetic.”
The railway company was even more enticing to Robinson after she met a K-State alum employed there.
“I got to ask her questions about why she chose BNSF Railway,” she said. “She was very inspired and really wanted to add value to the company. After that, I started to picture myself working there.”
For Robinson, this trip was packed with meaningful exposure to real-world opportunities. By stepping inside these companies, students like her are gaining the confidence and connections to take their next steps beyond K-State.
By Kate Ellwood