By: Alisha Mason
Over spring break, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the inaugural Workplace Culture Trek, a student experience exploring workplace culture through the Life Design Lab. These treks provide students with firsthand exposure to different workplace environments, helping us assess how they align with our values and aspirations. This experience was not only eye-opening but also deeply rewarding as I navigated various professional spaces and engaged in meaningful discussions with industry professionals and alumni.
Day One: Setting the Foundation
Our journey began with an immersive session at the Life Design Lab, where we explored the Workplace Culture Trek curriculum. This session set the stage for our experience, allowing us to introduce ourselves and reflect on our values and how they intersect with different work environments. This was my second time participating in a trek through the Life Design Lab, and starting the experience with an in-person curriculum element made it especially interactive and engaging. I had the privilege of sharing my talk on Research, Identity, and Purpose: Building a Career That Aligns with My Values, which was a fantastic way to connect with my peers and exchange perspectives on professional growth.
Day Two: Corporate Culture and Alumni Engagement
We hit the road early, heading to Washington, D.C., with our first stop at Deloitte in Virginia. There, we received a tour of the office and engaged in insightful conversations with Hopkins alumni and employees. A highlight of this visit was the Business Chemistry activity, where we explored different types of thinkers and how they function within teams. Understanding these dynamics gave me a deeper appreciation of the diverse ways people approach problem-solving and collaboration.
After Deloitte, we spent the afternoon at the Planet Word Museum in D.C., an interactive museum celebrating language and communication. This visit was both educational and entertaining, reinforcing the importance of effective communication in any workplace culture.
To wrap up the day, we attended an alumni dinner, where I had the chance to connect with inspiring professionals from various industries. The discussions ranged from career trajectories to personal passions, leaving me with new insights and valuable connections.
Day Three: Advocacy and Innovation
Our second full day started with a visit to the Human Rights Campaign, where we learned about their Corporate Equality Index. This session highlighted the significance of workplace inclusivity and the role of corporate policies in promoting equity. As someone passionate about advocacy and social impact, I found this session particularly engaging.
After lunch, we returned to Baltimore to visit Infinite Biomedical Technologies (IBT), a company specializing in upper limb prosthetic technology. Exploring their cutting-edge advancements and seeing how they integrate engineering with healthcare was truly inspiring. It was fascinating to witness how workplace culture in a biotech setting fosters innovation and collaboration.
Reflection and Gratitude
Upon returning to the Life Design Lab, we concluded our trek with a reflection session. This was an invaluable moment to process our experiences, share takeaways, and express gratitude for the opportunity. I left the trek with a deeper understanding of workplace cultures, a clearer sense of my values, and a newfound appreciation for the professionals who dedicate their time to mentoring students.
A huge thank you to the Life Design Lab educators for their guidance, support, and dedication to creating such transformative experiences. This trek not only broadened my professional horizons but also reinforced my commitment to building a career that aligns with my values. I’m excited to take these lessons forward as I continue my journey!
