[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/career services edited.jpg” caption=”Angela Fortino, employer relations officer at Career Services. Photo by Susan Bubak.”]This week, more than 100 students at McMaster University are participating in the 2006 Job Shadow event. Now it its fourth year, the program provides students with the opportunity to meet with career mentors and spend a day in their workplace.

The opportunity to “try on” a career for the day is an important aspect of the career development process whereby students are encouraged to assess their personal interests, values and skills when it comes to career decision making.

Students can avoid unnecessary stress by identifying at an early stage those career options that are not a good fit and adjusting their efforts accordingly.

“This year, we are pleased to have both new and returning career mentors volunteer their time through participation in the Job Shadow Program,” says Angela Fortino, employer relations officer at Career Services. “This year after year commitment by our returning mentors is a clear demonstration of the community support of McMaster students and their personal career exploration.”

The Job Shadow Program is part of the careerLINKS event series that encourages mentorship in the Hamilton community and surrounding areas.

If students actively engage in mentorship, stronger relationships between academic studies, career exploration and community involvement can be developed.

Career Services firmly believes that mentoring matters, and is committed to creating experiential opportunities for McMaster students.

To find out more about the Job Shadow Program or the careerLINKS program, please contact Career Services.