On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the Career Empowerment Center at Cal State East Bay led its second Career Trek of the fall semester, partnering with Cintas Corporation to provide students with an in-depth look at career opportunities in the business services sector. A total of ten students participated in the visit, which was designed to bridge academic learning with real-world industry exposure.
The Career Trek began with a comprehensive tour of the Cintas facility, where students observed the company’s operational workflow firsthand. The tour showcased key aspects of the business, including uniform production, inventory management, and logistics coordination. Students gained insight into how Cintas maintains high standards of efficiency, safety, and customer service across its operations.
Following the tour, Cintas representatives delivered a detailed overview of the company’s history, mission, and organizational structure. Founded in 1929, Cintas has grown into a Fortune 500 company serving over one million businesses across North America. The presentation highlighted the company’s core divisions:
- Uniform Services: Providing professional attire and laundering solutions for a wide range of industries.
- Facility Services: Supplying essential products such as cleaning supplies, mats, and restroom services.
- First Aid & Safety: Offering workplace safety products and training programs.
- Fire Protection Services: Delivering inspection, maintenance, and compliance solutions for fire safety systems.
Students also learned about Cintas’ corporate culture, career development programs, and internship and full-time employment opportunities. The session emphasized the company’s commitment to internal growth, leadership development, and diversity in the workplace.
Faraz Javaid, General Manager of the South San Francisco location explained the importance of networking “it reminds us that building connections is just as valuable as building skills. Each conversation has the potential to open doors, spark ideas, and create relationships that extend beyond the event itself. Each interaction is a chance to learn, grow, and open doors you may not expect.”
The Career Trek concluded with a Q&A session, allowing students to engage directly with Cintas professionals and reflect on how their academic backgrounds align with potential career paths in operations, sales, and management.
Gursimran Bindra, a recent graduate of Cal State East Bay and Cintas Career Trek participant shared that “the Cintas facility tour in South San Francisco was an amazing experience that offered a behind-the-scenes look at how much goes into this industry. It was eye-opening to learn about the variety of career opportunities available and how they align with different skills and interests.”
The Career Empowerment Center’s Career Trek series continues to serve as a vital platform for experiential learning, connecting students with employers and helping them explore career options in a variety of industries.
For students who were unable to attend the Career Trek, Cintas will be participating in several campus events throughout the fall semester to offer additional opportunities to connect and learn more about the company. Students can log into Handshake to find a complete list of upcoming events.
