Spring break is right around the corner, and for Aliza Syyid, a QUEST Cohort 42 student majoring in information systems, it’s more than just a break—it’s an incredible opportunity. Through her QUEST elective, Design and Innovation in Silicon Valley (BMGT438G/ENES489Q), she’s heading across the country with 23 other students to explore the heart of tech innovation. This will be her first time to the West Coast, and she couldn’t be more excited to visit some of the most influential companies in the world, connect with industry leaders, and gain firsthand insight into the tech landscape.
This semester is particularly special for QUEST, as it marks the long-awaited return of the QUEST to Silicon Valley elective—offered for the first time since before COVID. The course immerses students in the principles of design, innovation, and quality by taking them directly to top companies in the Bay Area. Throughout the experience, students engage with alumni, research company operations, and apply their learning in real-world settings. As part of the course, students will also develop and pitch business innovations based on their experiences.
A Packed Itinerary: From San Francisco to Palo Alto
Syyid, along with her fellow QUESTees, will kick off their journey in San Francisco, spending the first half of the trip visiting major companies, networking with professionals, and soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Midway through the program, the team will travel down to Palo Alto, where they will continue their exploration of the tech industry and meet more QUEST alumni and company representatives.
Under the guidance of QUEST’s amazing Assistant Director Jessica Roffe, QUEST students will have an action-packed schedule that includes visits to companies such as Pinterest, LinkedIn, ABC News, Salesforce, DoorDash, Meta, DataRobot, Nuro, PayPal, Apple, and Google. Each visit will provide invaluable insights into how these companies operate, their approach to product design and innovation, and the unique challenges they face in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.
For Syyid, this experience is about more than just coursework—it’s about stepping outside her comfort zone, applying her skills, and making meaningful connections. She is particularly eager to leverage her project management and analytical skills to better understand the role they play in shaping Silicon Valley’s most successful companies. Throughout the semester, she has been honing her networking abilities, preparing to introduce herself confidently and engage with professionals who have built their careers on the West Coast.
For Syyid, this trip is even more exciting because she gets to work closely with Pinterest, her designated company to contact and collaborate with. She is especially eager to connect with Jeremy Krach, a QUEST alum from Cohort 25 and Security Lead at Pinterest. Throughout the visit, Syyid looks forward to engaging with employees, learning about their career paths, and exploring Pinterest’s innovative approach to design and technology. As a junior still shaping her career aspirations, she hopes this experience will provide a clearer perspective on different roles, company cultures, and potential career paths. With graduation on the horizon, she’s excited to see how this trip helps her envision where she wants to be after QUEST.
“I’m really excited to see how the work culture differs between companies,” Syyid shared. “I’ve never been to Silicon Valley before, so I’m really excited to check it out. I’m hoping this trip helps me figure out what kind of place—and where—I’d want to work after graduation.” Beyond professional growth, Syyid is also thrilled about the chance to explore the Bay Area with her QUEST friends—traveling independently without her family for the first time. From walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to trying out new restaurants, she plans to make the most of her free time between company visits.
With an incredible itinerary, invaluable learning experiences, and a chance to build lifelong connections, QUEST to Silicon Valley is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Syyid’s excitement is contagious, and her journey is sure to inspire future QUEST students to apply for this course.
So, would you take the leap and explore Silicon Valley? Stay tuned for updates on Syyid’s trip and insights from the QUEST team’s adventure!