STAR Mentor Program/Job Shadowing
Speaking with professionals is often a helpful way to learn more about different career paths. The Career Development Center offers to programs to connect you with professionals in the workplace, the STAR Mentor Program and the Job Shadowing Program.
STAR Mentor Program
STAR (Students Talking with Alumni Resources) Mentor Program provides students with support and career advice by linking them to alumni mentors who work in their field. Whether by phone, by email or in person, you’ll have the opportunity to develop connections with alumni who are willing to share their expertise, experience, advice, skills and knowledge.
To participate in the STAR Mentor Program students must attend an orientation or watch the STAR orientation podcast in your Job Finder account. Once you complete the orientation you will be given access to the STAR Mentor program through your Job Finder account. You will be able to view alumni profiles and select your interest in one or more mentors. If you watch the podcast email cdc@wpi.edu to let us know and we will send you a short quiz to complete. The STAR Mentor Program is sponsored by the Career Development Center and the Alumni Relations Office. If you have any questions please contact the CDC at cdc@wpi.edu.
Job Shadowing
Job Shadows allow students to spend a half-day to a full day with an alumni/professional to see firsthand various career paths. Students are able to watch, listen, and learn about a “day in the life of…”, comprehend how a major translates into a career, insight on an industry, and learn more about specific companies and career opportunities. Job Shadows will take place during Winter Break and Spring Break.
Benefits of Participating in a Job Shadow?
- Discover career opportunities through observation and discussion with professionals
- Understand the relationship between what you learn in class and a career
- Verify if this is something that you want to make a career out of
- See first-hand all aspects of a job – characteristics, responsibilities, day-to-day tasks
- Learn what it takes to be successful in the field from professionals
- Identify what one needs to learn to be a professional in this industry
- Find out what employees do in the working world
- Realize skills necessary to succeed in the workplace
- See how technology is incorporated into work
- Network with professionals in your field
How a Job Shadow Works
Students are matched with a(n) alumni/professional for a one day shadowing experience within their career field of choice. In order to participate, students need to fill out an application which will be reviewed by the Career Development Center and a match will be made by one of the staff members. Students will receive their match’s contact information and make the initial contact and arrangements with the alumni/professional. Students are responsible for all travel expenses.
Next Steps
Stop in to the Career Development Center to pick up the Job Shadow Program Application and Handout. Fill out the, and submit, a Job Shadow Program Application.
The Career Development Center will match you with an appropriate professional; you will need to meet with a Career Development Center Staff Member to obtain your contact information.
Once you receive your alumni/professional contact information, it is your responsibility to contact the sponsor, schedule the Job Shadow to take place during the corresponding break time, and inform the Career Development Center about when and where the Job Shadow will take place (email: cdc@wpi.edu). Please note: Students are responsible for all travel expenses. Complete a Job Shadow Program Evaluation upon your return from the Job Shadow Experience.
Cancellation Policy
If a student must cancel his/her job shadow, the Career Development Center and alumni/professional must be contacted as soon as possible. Students who participate in the Job Shadow Program are representing WPI and are asked to help keep interactions with professionals positive so other students may take advantage of this opportunity. Failure to contact both the Career Development Center and the alumni/professional will result in not being able to participate in the Job Shadow Program for the remainder of the academic year.
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Last modified: November 28, 2012 14:03:07