{"id":128,"date":"2019-07-11T07:46:50","date_gmt":"2019-07-11T11:46:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/offices\/career-development\/?page_id=128"},"modified":"2026-02-25T17:18:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T22:18:53","slug":"alumni-job-shadow-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/offices\/career-connections-center\/explore-careers\/alumni-job-shadow-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Alumni Job Shadow Program (AJSP)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n

Career Connections Center Alumni Job Shadow Program 2025-2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Alumni Job Shadow Program is an opportunity for students to connect with alumni already working in careers they are interested in pursuing after graduation. For students looking for more than \u201cjust a job,\u201d connecting with alumni helps students validate their passions, realize their potential, and set goals to help them move closer to finding meaningful work in the future. For alumni, the job shadow program is a chance to reflect upon their own career path and share their wisdom with students who are eager to learn.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In-Person and Remote Options Available <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The in-person job shadow allows students to experience a \u201cday in the life\u201d of someone working in a field they are interested in pursuing. The virtual job shadow provides students with many of 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What participants are saying about the Alumni Job Shadow Program  <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was so thrilled to be selected to participate in the Alumni Job Shadow Program! Since graduating from Clark in 2008, I\u2019ve sought opportunities to stay connected to current students and Clark itself. I was lucky to be paired with Eesha Kashif \u201921 MBA \u201922, and we hit it off almost immediately. I was able to share my own experiences navigating the post-college world and share my experiences since I\u2019ve worked in a few different industries since leaving Clark. Eesha was an absolute delight and we have maintained contact even beyond the job shadow program. It\u2019s been so exciting following her journey and being able to share my own experiences and professional insights with her. It\u2019s also been a great developmental opportunity for my own career!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matt Pettengill \u201908, Alumni Host <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMeeting Matt was one of my favorite Clark experiences. Unfortunately, we could not connect in person due to COVID-19. However, we organized a Zoom call and I learned all about his work at UNUM, the realm of business development, as well as the insurance industry in general. I\u2019m so glad to have found a mentor and friend in him. He always listens to my stories about school and is consistently there for me as a professional and personal cheerleader.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eesha Kashif \u201921 MBA \u201922, Alumni Job Shadow Program Participant <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does a Job Shadow Look Like?<\/summary>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaddie 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!\u201d  <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kadijha Kuanda \u201922 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sheila Ford \u201921 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gari De Ramos \u201921 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI completed my job shadow with Brendan who is employed as a Geodetic Surveyor at REIB O\u00dc 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\u2019t know where to start \u2014 this is a good place!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Danielle Hall \u201923 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tara Stein \u201921 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor 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\u2019s 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 \u2018what I can do with my major,\u2019 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ian Hirons \u201921<\/em><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Program Eligibility<\/summary>\n

The Alumni Job Shadow Program is open to current undergraduate and graduate students in all years.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Important Dates<\/summary>\n

The Alumni Job Shadow Program is a one-day opportunity available between December 15, 202<\/strong>5, and January 10, 2026.<\/strong> The application deadline for students and alumni is November 28<\/strong> to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matches will be finalized during the week of December 1.<\/strong> Students will be notified of their alumni matches and required to attend a mandatory training session. Alumni will also be informed of their matches that same week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Students and alumni who need to plan their shadow day outside of the program dates may do so. Please let the program coordinator know if this is the case.  <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How to Apply (Alumni)<\/summary>\n

Interested in hosting a Clark student for a job-shadowing experience?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please contact our team at cservices@clarku.edu<\/a> to express your interest. We will follow up with the brief host form and next steps.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How to Apply (Students)<\/summary>\n

Want to participate in the Alumni Job Shadowing Program?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email cservices@clarku.edu <\/a>to get started. Our team will send you the student form and instructions for the next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
    Matching Process<\/summary>\n

    Students will receive notification of their acceptance to the program, along with information about their alumni host, by December 5<\/strong>.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is the student\u2019s responsibility to reach out to alumni within one week<\/strong> of receiving the name and contact information for their host.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Testimonials<\/summary>\n

    \u201cI 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Alumni Volunteer <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI 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\u2019m excited to continue participating.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Alumni Volunteer <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI am so jealous that Clarkies get to have these experiences \u2014 what a cool opportunity for students and alums alike!\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Alumni Volunteer <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThrough the program, I realized that one is capable of excelling if you\u2019re 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.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Third Year International Development and Social Change Major <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Fourth Year Biology Major  <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Third Year Media, Culture and Arts Major <\/em><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Contact the Program Coordinator<\/summary>\n

    For questions about the Alumni Job Shadow Program, please email Sawsan Berjawi, Senior Associate Director of Operations and Communications, sberjawi@clarku.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n