New Job Shadowing Program in Honors

Anna Scanlan

The Honors Program launched a new partnership with the NIU Alumni Association: The University Honors Job Shadow Program. Several alumni graciously agreed to host Honors students in the 2022 spring semester, allowing the students to get a peek into their professional lives. Students were able to see the list of mentors who volunteered to participate and indicated which opportunities would be of interest to them. Each experience was tailored to meet the needs of both host and student. Everyone who participated reported very positive impressions of the job shadow pilot program. Rachel Pawlisz (2005) articulates the importance of this sort of program: “When I was at NIU I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do professionally. It took me a long time, a lot of different roles, to find a good niche for myself. I think if students can get more insight into ‘the real world’ it can help them make decisions for their career path earlier on.” The hands-on experiences students had through this program gave them a clearer picture of what life after graduation might entail.

The Job Shadow Program is a great way for students to begin to understand where their true interests lie professionally. Melissa Grandt, eighth grade education teacher, reflects on the importance of her mentee Breeanna Maze getting to know the field of education better. “The education field in art and media is extremely competitive … I think she will learn and understand what age of students she would prefer to work with and get a glimpse as to how many other things she will do as an art and media major besides teaching art and media, and she will be seeing and experiencing other areas of art besides just art and media.” Even when students don’t have the option to partner with someone in their exact field or they are not sure of the right path for them, job shadow experiences are still extremely worthwhile. Merely interacting with a professional who is willing to provide their perspective and guidance as a mentor is incredibly important for students who are trying to find their footing from college to professional life. Alicia LaRouech, who wants to be a speech and language pathologist, chose to spend her job shadow experience with a professional in the educational diversity, equity and inclusion space. “Overall, I think the Honors Job Shadow experience helped me get out of my comfort zone, and it really encouraged me to think about my future career from a more thoughtful and comprehensive point of view,” LaRouech said. “Even if the career options listed don’t fit one’s interests at first glance, I do think that the experience can broaden anyone’s perspective on a particular field.”

Although only in its first year, the program had about a dozen alumni volunteers paired with about 15 students. College is a time that provides space to explore different career options, and this program is a great example. One of the main goals of the Honors Program is to help guide students and help them focus their goals and interests on a career path. The Job Shadow Program fits with these aims nicely and will continue to be a tool that students can utilize to help shape their educational experience here at NIU.

Alicia LaRouech, senior communicative disorders major.