Shippensburg University students stepped out of the classroom and into their future careers for a day over winter break thanks to the job shadow program offered through the Career, Mentoring and Professional Development Center. The Bureau of Labor and Industry reports that over 70% of employers hire candidates they have met through networking connections. This program allows students to engage with regional employers while gaining a better understanding of their future careers.

“We believe that the job shadowing program is one avenue to expose students to networking connections so that they have the leg up when they are job searching. Job shadowing gives students the chance to see the day-to-day functions of a specific career field – learning in a hands-on environment is the best way to test out career interests,” said Lorie Davis, executive director for the Career, Mentoring and Professional Development Center.

Forty-eight employers participated in the program over winter break.

Many of the participating employers currently employ Ship alumni and are eager to hire more Ship graduates. Students interested in job shadowing opportunities should contact the Career, Mentoring and Professional Development Center. Alumni interested in providing a job shadowing opportunity for students can fill out the online interest form.