Run by the Boston College Career Center, the Shadow Program pairs Boston College students with BC alumni in various career fields and industries for a professional, informative, and enjoyable experience.

WHAT IS A SHADOW EXPERIENCE?

An opportunity for BC students to visit with an alumnus/alumna in a professional setting and:

• Gain insight into a typical workday
• Learn about different jobs and fields of employment
• Begin practicing networking skills, which are essential in aiding any graduate in making plans for the future.

A Shadow Experience can last as long as the student and alumnus/alumna desire. It could be a few hours, a half or full day, or multiple days. It can take various forms, depending on how the student and alumnus/alumna wish to utilize it.

Some examples of activities that occur during a Shadow Experience are:

• Informational Interview
• Observation of Alumni
• Sit in on Meetings/Appointments/Conversations
• Tour of Facilities
• Discussion of the Career Path of the Alumnus/Alumna
• Career Advice for Student
• Meeting/Speaking with colleagues of the Alumnus/Alumna

Again, these are only options. It is up to the alumnus/alumna and student to determine what will comprise the shadow experience.

TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SHADOW PROGRAM

You can shadow an alumnus or alumna at any time during the year

1. First, visit the Career Network, accessible through your AGORA account
2. Once you've logged in, choose "Access Career Services."
3. Click on "Career Services."
4. Click on "Access the Career Network."
5. Click "Advanced Search" and find the field for "Alumni willing to host a Shadow Experience." This will allow you to search through all alumni who have indicated that they are willing to host a Shadow Experience

To Initiate A Shadow Experience

1. You should contact the alumnus/alumna, introduce yourself (name, year, major), and explain where you found their name.
2. Explain why you're interested in shadowing the alumnus/alumna, and what you hope to get out of the experience (information, greater understanding of their job/field).
3. Decide how long you want to shadow them (this will probably be dependent upon the schedules of both you and the alumnus/alumna).
4. Set up a date and time to meet.
5. After the experience, make sure to get the business card of the alumnus/alumna and keep in touch with them. If possible, get cards for any others you meet and keep in touch with them as well, especially if you're interested in their organization or field.