What happens when a group of 24 curious, driven QUEST students are given the opportunity to trade classroom lectures for behind-the-scenes access to the world’s leading tech companies? You get a week of eye-opening conversations, elevator pitches, and unexpected career sparks– all set against the sunny backdrop of California. 

For students in the QUEST Honors Program, the elective course Design and Innovation in Silicon Valley (BMGT438G/ENES489Q) is more than a class – it’s a chance to step inside the tech world they’ve only seen in headlines and TED Talks. After months of coordinated planning and preparation, the trip finally returned post-COVID this spring, offering students a firsthand look into how innovation thrives at the intersection of business, technology, and design. From buzzing startups to large tech giants, students visited companies like Pinterest, LinkedIn, Salesforce, DoorDash, Meta, DataRobot, Nuro, Paypal, Apple, and Google—all while building connections, expanding their career horizons, and forming unforgettable memories along the way.

First, we spoke with sophomore computer science major Suhan Neema (Cohort 43). Neema mentioned that the QUEST to Silicon Valley elective had been on her radar since she joined QUEST. With a passion for technology and a desire to explore the real-world environments that drive it, she saw the trip as the perfect opportunity to merge her academic interests with meaningful travel. “I had always wanted to travel during college, and this class just seemed like such a unique experience,” she said. “As a CS major, I’ve always been curious about how things work behind the scenes in big tech. I wanted to explore that world in person.”

That being said, from the very first visit to Pinterest, students began to see the tech world in a new light. “I was struck by how much thought goes into even the smallest changes,” Neema shared. “These apps (like Pinterest) may seem like casual entertainment, but they’re backed by constant A/B testing, market research, and serious engineering.” Another significant point students picked up on was how diverse career paths can be in tech. “What surprised me most was how many people started in non-technical roles and switched into tech,” Neema explained. “It showed me that with the right mindset, soft skills, and determination, you can find your place—even in unfamiliar industries.”

A similar realization was also echoed by fellow sophomore information systems and management major Kavin Seralathan (Cohort 44). “As someone coming from a business background, I wasn’t sure how I fit into big tech, but I realized that business drives so much of the innovation process in the tech industry.” He also found encouragement in the stories of those who made bold career changes. “A lot of the people we spoke with had crazy career switches, which was really inspiring to see. They were able to transfer a lot of their soft skills over to roles like cybersecurity and product management.” For Kavin, it was a reminder that there’s no one path into tech—just a willingness to learn and connect.

For Akash Marakath (Cohort 40), a senior mechanical engineering major, the trip offered a fresh perspective as he looked ahead to life after college. “As a senior, it was definitely worth going on this trip to get exposure to professional life while enjoying my last semester here.” He especially enjoyed visits to Nuro and Pinterest. “Nuro was fascinating from an engineering perspective—we got to see their design process up close. But Pinterest really challenged me because I had to think like a business strategist, not just an engineer. It pushed me to see how my technical skills fit into the bigger picture.” But what stood out most wasn’t the sleek offices or cutting-edge tech—it was the people. “Everyone we met was so passionate and energized,” Marakath said. “It reminded me that loving what you do really matters—and I want that same energy in whatever I pursue next.”

Advice for Future QUESTees

While the QUEST to Silicon Valley trip brought students face-to-face with some of the biggest names in tech, it quickly became clear that this experience was about much more than exploring cool campuses or admiring innovation from afar. It was about discovering where—and how—they want to make their mark.

For Seralathan, a casual coffee chat with a QUEST alum at Apple became a turning point. The conversation gave him clarity on what product management really looks like and helped solidify a genuine passion for the field. Neema, who came in with a strong interest in software development, left with a broader view of what her future could hold. The stories and career journeys she heard along the way introduced her to consulting as another exciting, impactful path. And for Marakath, the trip’s timing couldn’t have been more meaningful. As a graduating senior, it helped reinforce not only the importance of the work he wants to do, but the kind of environment he wants to do it in.

So, what should future QUESTees expect?

“Try to be known,” Seralathan advised. “Don’t be afraid to talk to people from different backgrounds, and always ask at least one good question at each site.”

“Do your research ahead of time,” Neema added. “Come prepared to engage, take notes, and be open to new experiences. It’s okay to feel intimidated—but don’t let that stop you from putting yourself out there.”

“Get excited! Truly enjoy yourself and learn as much as you can,” Marakath concluded.

Bottom line? Be ready to walk away with new insights that will forever shape the way you see big tech—and your place within it. This transformative experience would not have been possible without the guidance and support of Jessica Roffe, QUEST’s dedicated Assistant Director. Her thoughtful planning and tireless coordination ensured that each visit was meaningful and every moment maximized. For these QUESTees, Silicon Valley wasn’t just a spring break trip—it was a launchpad. So if you’re thinking about signing up for QUEST to Silicon Valley next year, there’s just one question left: Are you ready to take the leap?