Alumni Job Shadow Program

Curious as to what an in-person job shadow looks like? Each day is as unique as the student and alum who plan it together. The following are examples of recent in-person job shadow experiences.

“Maddie from City Year Boston did a wonderful job showing us around. She asked me what my interests were and created a whole schedule for me accordingly. I had the opportunity to get connected to the Project Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director, and many other fascinating people. I really appreciated being able to see how an NGO works in the office as well as being a part of meetings and asking questions. Being able to meet three Clark Alumni and hear about their transition from college into the working world was amazing. I was truly positively surprised by how much I could learn in just one day and happy to be part of the program. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a one-day experience in which they can explore their opportunities after college. Most importantly, it was a great networking experience!”  

Kadijha Kuanda ’22 

“I completed the job shadow experience with Beth at Digital Insight Innovations in Watertown, MA. In addition to holding an exciting and challenging position in the data world, this alum is also a wonderful mentor and provided me with useful information and advice about careers and life. Throughout the day, my fellow shadows and I listened in on project meetings, met with a variety of employees in different career areas, and spoke with our host about her background and experiences. Speaking with one of her co-workers caused me to think more seriously about a career I was previously uncertain about and the encouragement from everyone we met in the office has boosted my confidence in finding a position in a company with a positive and healthy work culture. This was the best experience I have had through the Career Connections Center, and I would happily encourage other students to try it out.”

Sheila Ford ’21 

“I completed my job shadow experience with Alyssa who is the newsroom manager at Weill Cornell Medicine Office of External Affairs. I came into the day with the goal of learning about non-journalism careers and definitely accomplished just that. My host was kind enough to arrange meetings between me and other coworkers from different departments (e.g., social media, development, marketing) who worked alongside her. Most of her coworkers also had prior journalism experience, so the meetings were helpful to see what my options look like. I also met with new hires closer to my age who talked about their decision to go to grad school and how they entered the field. I was surprised with how warm and welcoming the corporate space could be. I would recommend this experience to others, especially those who are interested in learning about a career or field they know little to nothing about.”

Gari De Ramos ’21 

The virtual job shadow provides students with the same benefits of an in-person job shadow with the added flexibility of being able to connect with alumni from all over the world.  The following are examples of recent virtual job shadow experiences.

“I completed my job shadow with Brendan who is employed as a Geodetic Surveyor at REIB OÜ in Estonia. My alumni host made the whole process comfortable even though I went into it a little intimidated. I was inspired by my host to not make any decisions based on what other people think you should be doing or where you should be in terms of experience. This opportunity prepared me to take more risks and to reach out to more alumni because I learned that most alumni on ClarkCONNECT are willing to give you advice! I was surprised about how non-intimidating the process was. I learned I am capable, smart, and should be confident in the steps I take towards the career I want. I would recommend this program to peers because it is a perfect first step to networking, and gives you a taste of the field you are looking to get into. All of the career resources can be really overwhelming, so if you don’t know where to start — this is a good place!”

Danielle Hall ’23 

“I completed my job shadow with Christina who has worked in pharma since she graduated and is currently employed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company. During our meetings she gave me an overview of her career progression and answered any questions I had. I am certainly more informed in the pharma career path now and joining the workforce seems a little less daunting. She gave me a lot of helpful information and tips about navigating the job search. Christina was very easy to get along with, which made our meetings very relaxed. She gave me amazing advice and helped me feel more confident about my future. I just feel so much more prepared now. She is the mentor I needed.”

Tara Stein ’21 

“For the program, I was matched with Kelsey of Year Up Boston. Overall, this was a great opportunity for me to connect with a recent alum in my major who leveraged their Clark experience to work in industry sectors that I am interested in doing future work in. The job shadow program was a great incentive to further go through Clark’s resources on finding a career, exploring my interests, and how to present the best version of myself to a future employer. It challenged me to do research on future organizations I might work with in my discipline and get serious about my immediate post-college steps. All throughout my undergraduate years, I have never been worried about ‘what I can do with my major,’ but the alumni job shadow program definitely helped me to visualize more concretely the types of positions and tasks I could be prepared to do successfully. I would definitely recommend this program to other students for the way in which it spurs you to research various employers and positions, gain relevant industry experience, and market yourself as a competitive candidate.”

Ian Hirons ’21

The ClarkCONNECT Alumni Job Shadow Program is open to current undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

The alumni job shadow program is a one-day program that will take place between January 3 and January 14, 2022.  

*Students and alumni who need to plan their shadow day outside of the program dates may do so. Please let the program manager know if this is the case.  

The ClarkCONNECT Alumni Job Shadow Program is hosted through ClarkCONNECT. To apply to the program, alumni must first join ClarkCONNECT and create an account.  

To Create a ClarkCONNECT Account

Creating an account is easy!  

1. Visit ClarkCONNECT.  
2. Click the red “Join ClarkCONNECT” button, where you will be guided through the steps required to set up your account. You can even upload information from your LinkedIn profile to save time! 
   

To Apply on ClarkCONNECT

The application window for alumni to apply will open on September 28, 2020. Once you’ve created an account, you can apply to the program by taking the following steps: 

1. While logged into ClarkCONNECT, click the “Programs” tab at the top of the page.  
2. After reading the “About” section, click the green “Join Program” button at the top of the page. 
3. Select “Mentor.” 
4. Answer the application questions and submit your response. 

The ClarkCONNECT Alumni Job Shadow Program is hosted through ClarkCONNECT. To apply to the program, students must first join ClarkCONNECT and create an account. 

To Create a ClarkCONNECT Account

Creating an account is easy!  

1. Visit ClarkCONNECT.  
2. Click the red “Join ClarkCONNECT” button, where you will be guided through the steps required to set up your account.   

By “joining” the program, you have access to a directory of alumni willing to host a student at their place of employment or online between January 3 and January 14, 2022. To be matched with an alum, you will need to “apply” to the program.   

To Apply on ClarkCONNECT

The application window for students to apply will open on October 19, 2020. Once you’ve created an account, you can apply to the program by taking the following steps: 

1. While logged into ClarkCONNECT, click the “Programs” tab at the top of the page.  
2. After reading the “About” section, click the green “Join Program” button at the top of the page. 
3. Select “Mentee.”
4. Answer the application questions and submit your response. 

When determining eligibility, we consider the following:

1. Your ClarkCONNECT Profile. We want to get to know you and see that you’re invested in making genuine connections with alumni. We aren’t using your profile to judge how much experience you’ve had, the types of experiences you’ve had, or the prestige connected to them. We just want to see that you care enough to make a positive first impression.  
2. Application. As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to clearly articulate your logic in selecting and enthusiasm for your potential alumni host(s).  You will also be asked to lay out a feasible plan to participate that includes how you plan to travel to your host if the job shadow is in person. Funding of $50 is available to help students with the cost of travel. 
3. Successful Completion of Orientation. The Know Before You Go orientation session is designed to help you 1) feel comfortable entering a new work environment, 2) make the most out of your job shadow experience, 3) make a genuine connection with your alumni host, and 4) use your experience for the purpose of future goal setting. In the rare case that the program manager observes behavior that leads them to believe you are unable or unwilling to successfully complete the program, the match may be retracted. 

Students will receive notification of their acceptance to the program and information about their alumni host during the week of November 8, 2021.  

It is the student’s responsibility to reach out to alumni within 3 days of receiving the name of their host.  

“I really enjoyed this experience because it made me think about what I do in the classroom that is effective and worth sharing. My student had a list of well-thought-out questions about various aspects of ESOL education that made me reflect on how much I love this job and why I do it.” 

Alumni Volunteer 

“I was excited to participate in the job shadow program. I care deeply about mentorship, and the program only reaffirmed my interest in supporting undergrads and law students. To the extent I can provide insights into the work our organization does, I’m excited to continue participating.” 

Alumni Volunteer 

“I am so jealous that Clarkies get to have these experiences — what a cool opportunity for students and alums alike!”  

Alumni Volunteer 

“Through the program, I realized that one is capable of excelling if you’re surrounded by people who inspire you to do better. I was so impressed with the image that our school has out there, and this challenged me to maintain that standard. Every now and then when the host introduced me to an attorney, there was always a Clarkie doing something good out there.”  

A Third Year International Development and Social Change Major 

“I would recommend this program to my peers because it is a step outside of our comfort zone in terms of what we do at Clark. It gives us the chance to see what we can do with our degrees after Clark. It can also help us decide if we would like this possible career in the future.” 

A Fourth Year Biology Major  

“I felt like I really benefited from some of the meetings in which we talked about graduating from college and starting to work, and I left at the end of the day feeling a bit calmer and more prepared.” 

A Third Year Media, Culture and Arts Major 

For questions about the ClarkCONNECT Alumni Job Shadow Program, please email Elizabeth Gittens, Associate Director of Early Career Development, egittens@clarku.edu.