The Job Shadow Program, which is open to all Kenyon students and alumni, is the perfect way to explore a potential career path, meet mentors, and improve understanding of an industry. Participants spend 1-5 days with a Kenyon alumnus/a or parent, observing, interacting, and learning about the career, ultimately allowing them to decide if the path is a good fit for their interests.
Tuesday, September 17: On-campus student information session
Thursday, September 19: On-campus student information session
Wednesday, September 25: On-campus student information session
Friday, November 22: Deadline to contact sponsor to request a winter or spring job shadow
December 20–January 10: Conduct job shadows
Tuesday, January 21: On-campus student information session
Thursday, January 23: On-campus student information session
February 7: Deadline to contact sponsor to request a spring break job shadow
March 2–13: Conduct job shadows
These four videos walk you through the steps of arranging a job shadow through the Kenyon Career Network.
Kenyon students interested in education have the opportunity to engage in classroom observations through a partnership with the Mount Vernon City Schools. This 20-hour experience introduces students to teaching as a career through observation and classroom assistance. Through observations you will learn about the tasks of teaching (creating lesson plans, instruction, etc.), interactions with students and colleagues, and today’s K-12 environment.
Interested students should provide a one-page statement of interest. This statement includes your goals for the experience, any particular subject area you are interested in, and a proposed schedule for your 20 hours of observation, your major, and contact information. Submit your statement to Lee Schott, at the Career Development Office, who will forward it to the appropriate school personnel. Kenyon students participating in this program will be required to pass a background check. Students may do more than one module if they would like experiences in multiple settings.
For further information, contact: Lee Schott (schottlc@kenyon.edu).
The Kenyon Career Network allows you to message sponsors directly within the system. Before you write your sponsor, ensure that you are giving them at least one month notice of your availability for the job shadow. When ready, draft your message in a separate document, proofread it, and paste it into the KCN message field. Be sure to include an introduction, an explanation of your interest in the job shadow and the company, and dates you are available to shadow—preferably multiple options to give flexibility to sponsors when scheduling. Templates of these messages can be found in the CDO’s “Networking and Informational Interviews” guide. The video tutorial series above also details the steps to requesting a job shadow.
You’ll need an active Kenyon Career Network profile, a resume uploaded to your Kenyon Career Network profile, your availability over winter and/or spring breaks, and a brief statement of interest in shadowing your target sponsor.
A reflective paragraph that tells the sponsor who you are, why you are interested in shadowing them, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Be thoughtful and genuine, consider your academic, personal and professional interests, your background, and how these informed your career interests. Please review your statement for spelling and grammar.
Schedule an appointment with the CDO. We will coach you through the process of arranging your own job shadow opportunities outside of the Kenyon Career Network.
Many sponsors offer informational interviews as an immediate alternative or will schedule for a later date.
A job shadow is like pre-orientation for a career of your choice. It allows you to experience a day in the life of a profession. Some sponsors also become mentors to the students who shadow them, which can be immensely helpful in successfully navigating the job or internship search.
It depends on the sponsor and their job. Some examples of job shadow activities include: touring the office, meeting other staff members who work in different roles at the company, observing meetings, and working on small projects. A job shadow is also an ideal time to ask questions, which you should prepare in advance.
Most job shadows last between 1-3 days depending on schedules of the student and sponsor, but can certainly be extended at the discretion of the sponsor and student.
No, although the benefits of a job shadow are many, they do not include payment or academic credit.
Job shadows can be requested a month or earlier in advance of the time you are free to shadow. The CDO provides deadlines to request job shadows for winter and spring breaks, but you can also arrange job shadows during the summer. Just be sure to give you sponsor at least one month to consider your request.
Yes, however, Kenyon has limited funds available to reimburse costs for students who would otherwise be unable to participate. For more information, please visit the Waugh Fellowship. Additionally, students can contact volunteer alumni and parents who offer homestays through the Kenyon Career Network.
Learn as much as you can about the company, industry, and your sponsor. This information will inform your job shadow and maximize your learning during the experience. Please visit the Tips for Job Shadow Success page to learn more.
Schedule an appointment with the CDO.
The Kenyon College Career Development Office (CDO) maintains information to help Kenyon students and alumni connect with individuals and companies that are willing to assist, mentor, or house students who are exploring careers, and with internship and job opportunities that may be available. Students, employers, and volunteers should be aware that the CDO does not vet or conduct background checks on the students that may seek assistance, employers that may be offering opportunities, or volunteers who may be providing support. Employers, students, mentors, and hosts are highly encouraged to meet via a phone or Skype call prior to confirming any arrangements to determine suitability of fit and discuss mutual expectations. While the CDO is not responsible for what happens in arrangements that come from its networks, it is happy to assist students, employers, and volunteers with conflict resolution and resources should difficulties occur.