Experience the World of Work

The Career Center offers a range of programming for Boston College students to experience workplace environments and gain valuable insight about specific industries. These programs are designed to be short experiences with low commitment—compared to a formal internship. By participating in experiential learning, you will make valuable connections, gain clarity around your career goals, and leave with insight to help you launch a job or internship search. 

Details

Dates

Opportunities are available throughout the year

Class Years

All Welcome

Majors/Schools

All Welcome

How to Register

Find opportunities and RSVP in Handshake

Job Shadow

A job shadow is a one-day experience where you have the opportunity to follow a working professional throughout their daily activities and learn about their career field. Boston College alumni are often happy to host students for a day. You can also tap into your existing networks, including parents, siblings, or friends, and request to shadow them. 

When: 
Winter, spring, and summer breaks are ideal times to participate in job shadows. If the location is Boston, you can also participate during the school year. 

How to Arrange Job Shadows with Alumni:
To arrange your own job shadow, we recommend using Eagle Exchange to connect with BC alumni and request to shadow them for a day. Learn how to easily set up your own job shadow on Eagle Exchange.

If you are interested in a formal program where the Career Center will match you with an alum, we recommend that you participate in the alumni job shadow program in May. 

How to Prepare:

Register your job shadow once you’ve set a date with the alum. Pick up your thank you gift for your host at the Career Center.

Confirm date, time, and location of your job shadow within one week of the visit. Make sure that the agreed upon time is still convenient.

Prepare for your shadow by following our "Best Practices for Student Job Shadows Guide".

Job Shadow

A career trek is a group trip to an organization where you will tour the workplace, learn about potential opportunities, and network with Boston College alumni currently employed at the organization. 

When: 
Career treks happen throughout the academic year. 

How to Register:
Each career trek will be posted in Handshake under events. Most often there is limited space. We recommend subscribing to receive emails from a career cluster of interest in order to stay updated on upcoming treks. 

Additional Opportunities:
Endeavor features career treks as part of the program. The Shea Center for Entrepreneurship runs a TechTrek class.

How to Prepare:

Familiarize yourself with the organization by visiting the website

Prepare questions you might want to ask while on the trek to help you learn about the organization

Plan to wear business casual clothing and comfortable yet professional footwear

Bring a notebook and pen to take notes

Job Shadow

An industry chat is a one-on-one conversation with an employer at the Career Center. You will learn how to tailor your job/internship search for a particular industry. You can have your resume reviewed, get advice on how to market your experiences, or practice answering interview questions.

When: 
Industry chats happen throughout the academic year.

How to Register:
Each industry chat will be posted in Handshake under events. Most often there is limited space. We recommend subscribing to receive emails from a career cluster of interest in order to stay updated on upcoming industry chats. 

How to Prepare:

Bring a printed copy of your resume and/or laptop if you are seeking a resume or LinkedIn profile critique

Prepare a few questions for the employer that will help you learn more about their career journey and industry