Local Connect

Local CONNECT

Applications for the Local CONNECT treks open August 28th!

Be sure to attend one of the mandatory information sessions to apply.

If you are an employer or alumnus based in Binghamton and are interested in participating in CONNECT, please contact the Fleishman Career Center at hirebing@binghamton.edu. 

About Local CONNECT

Looking to make meaningful connections and gain insight into career paths in our community? Take advantage of Local CONNECT to invest in yourself, your network, and your next steps. Join us for the Local CONNECT, an immersive career exploration experience through local employer/alumni site visits in partnership with the College of Community and Public Affairs and Harpur Edge.

Each trek will include small group site visits, conversations with professionals, information on job/internship opportunities, and a behind-the-scenes look at organizations making an impact in our region.

Before attending, students must participate in an information session to learn how the Local CONNECT program works and what to expect.

Mandatory information session

You MUST attend one information session OR complete the online session to be eligible to apply for the Local treks. View information session details below.

Important information

Please read the below information carefully.

  • Mandatory information sessions

    You must complete one of the following information sessions OR the virtual session to be able to apply to the CONNECT program:

    Virtual information session


    If a student does not attend one of the in-person sessions listed above, they can instead opt to complete the online info session in Panopto. Students must watch the session and receive a 100% on the quiz to receive credit for the info session and be eligible to apply for the CONNECT program. Please allow up to 2 business days for your hireBING account to update and reflect that you have taken the info session!

  • How to apply to the CONNECT program

    You must update your hireBING profile prior to applying for this program. Please be sure that your profile has the correct information (including your major and class year) as well as an updated resume.

    Applications for this program will be through hireBING by Handshake. More specific information on how to submit your application will be released during the information session. Please note that this is a competitive program and not all applicants will be accepted.

  • Participation agreement

    To apply, students will be required to sign a participation agreement. This form will outline the standard of conduct for the program as well as provide legal information. This form MUST be completed with the student's trek application in order for a student to participate.

    Fill out THE PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT 

  • Timeline
    • Immediately: Update your resume and hireBING profile.
    • Friday, August 21, 2026: Info session available
    • Friday, August 28, 2026: Applications open
    • Sunday, September 20, 2026: Applications close
    • Sunday, September 27: Cancellation deadline
    • Thursday, October 1: Treks take place
  • Tips for attending an Employer Trek

    DO

    • Take notes
    • Display enthusiasm and appreciation
    • Write down names of the professionals
    • Dress in workwear attire
    • Bring your resume and/or portfolio - you may or may not hand it out but best to be prepared
    • Research the firms you are attending
    • Prepare well thought out questions
    • Bring your photo ID and proof of vaccination
    • Stand out and make the most of these opportunities
    • Ask for contact information if the opportunity arises, we do not provide contact information unless the hosts states you can get it from us
    • Stay with the group during the entire visit
    • IMPORTANT - Check your hireBING profile to make sure it is accurate. Your hireBING profile will shift and it may not be accurate. You can manually change it.
    • Use professional etiquette at all times

    DON'T

    • Wait until the end to ask a question
    • Wait until the end to engage with professionals
    • Be late
    • Be distracting in any manner (play on your phone, fall sleep, etc.)
    • Go up to the visit without a staff member​
    • Ask for a job and or internship - unless they discuss open positions during the visit. You may ask the type of skills and or qualifications they look for in a candidate, or what makes someone successful at this company.
    • Stay longer than the allotted time. Professionals need to get back to work and we do not want to overstay our welcome. 

Schedules

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Morning Visits (10 a.m. - noon)

Afternoon Visits (2 p.m. - 4 p.m.)