Career Corner: Exploring Careers through Job Shadowing
Most areas of study do not come with a clear career path. In fact, people no longer go to college to prepare for lifelong careers. The work students do and the skills they learn in their majors prepare them for a wide variety of jobs and opportunities found in an ever-changing job market.
Many students are unsure of what they want to do with their education and how to turn it into a career. Having many opportunities and options available is an exciting prospect, but it can also be daunting as students search for summer internships and full-time positions.
Students can experience an up-close look at a company or industry by “shadowing” professionals through a day on the job. Both the College of Letters & Science Career Services Center and the Business Career Center (BCC) offer job-shadowing opportunities. Job shadowing is a great way for students to network with potential employers and connect with professionals even before interviewing.
The L&S Career Services job-shadowing program takes place primarily during winter recess and spring break, but can be set up throughout the year. The BCC also has a Sophomore Shadow Program for students in the School of Business. Students can learn more and sign up for job-shadowing opportunities through BuckyNet, by talking to a career advisor, or by visiting www.bus.wisc.edu/career or www.lssaa.wisc.edu/careers.
The Exploration Center offered by the Cross College Advising Service (CCAS) is designed to help students explore majors and careers. The CCAS website offers tools and resources to help students explore how personalities and goals match up with positions inside and outside a field of study. Students may also schedule appointments with career advisors to discuss their questions and concerns. To learn more, visit www.ccas.wisc.edu/explorationcenter.
Students may also network with alumni and discuss careers over dinner through Dinners On Wisconsin, a program sponsored by the Wisconsin Alumni Association. For more information, visit www.uwalumni.com/dinners.