If you are looking for a new kind of adventure, one that combines learning, career exploration, and technology, Tech Trip 2 may be for you. Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel, this contest will soon award three students with an opportunity to meet and work with professionals working in these companies, as well as new partner Vuguru. They will each also receive a new laptop – a Lenovo IdeaPad U300s UltraBook with 2nd generation Intel Core i7 ULV processor, to be exact.
For two weeks in June, selected students will first meet with innovators at Lenovo and Intel in Raleigh, North Carolina, then head to Los Angeles to spend a few days at the independent media studio Vuguru. With the deadline for submission coming up soon – May 4, 2012 – I met with Michael Tanenbaum, Social Media Strategist for The Woo, the agency that developed Tech Trip 1 and is now running Tech Trip 2. The Woo is also working in partnership with college marketing agency Campus Entertainment to help promote awareness about the contest and generate submissions online and on campus.
What to Expect
This is the second year for the event, described by Tanenbaum as "different from an internship and more than just a shadowing experience. The winning students will have access to these workplaces and engage in a challenge to create something, with in-house mentors." The key word is "DO" as the activities will focus on being actively involved in the learning and career exploration process during the trip. Kim Pham was selected for 2011's Tech Trip 1 and described it as a "highlight of [her] college career and absolutely an unforgettable experience."
Last year, the student participants not only received their own laptops, but also experienced what it was like to work in a large company through tours, meetings, and working on "challenge assignments" with employee teams. Their adventure included access to these professionals and a behind-the-scenes look at a variety of projects such as marketing, creative solutions, and technology development.
The details of this year's challenges at the two locations are still in the works, but Tanenbaum assures us that "this is more than a technology experience, it's about people that 'DO' things." The goal is to provide you with an experience that will keep you "active and engaged, and motivated to take it to the next level" even after the trip ends.
Requirements to Enter
If you are interested in being a part of this project, the first thing you'll need to do is create a video. While last year's contest included essays and photos, this year the video requirement has been a hit with students.
The contest is open to legal residents of the United States who are college undergraduates only and who are 18 years old and older. All undergraduates meeting these requirements are encouraged to consider entering – all majors are accepted from all types of colleges, including online, trade, and community colleges. Tanenbaum is excited about the range of submissions so far including students with a wide range of majors, such as "English, Nursing, and Supply Chain Management, and representing a variety of schools." Last year's winners came from The University of Houston, and New York University
The Selection Process
Starting May 5th, the contest moves into a popular voting stage via Facebook. From May 5th through the 18th, the public will be able to weigh in on which student submissions are worthy of being considered finalists. Then the 20 student submissions receiving the highest number of votes will be reviewed by a panel of judges, who ultimately determine the three winners of this all-expense paid adventure.
Are you interested?
Get started! Review the details online and prepare your video entry. If this year's not your year, follow Lenovo for Students on Facebook for updates, and hopefully a Tech Trip 3 contest next year.