Students shadow occupations of choice
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/job_shadow2.jpg” caption=”Marla Accomando, a third-year health studies student, gained insight into a career in physiotherapy during the 2004 Job Shadow Week.”]Nearly 200 McMaster students will learn what it takes to work in their occupation of choice during the third annual Job Shadow Week, Jan. 24-28.
“The experience and information students gain from their job shadow placements is second to none,” says Cristina DeSilvio, a career development co-ordinator with Experiential Education. “The opportunity results in more confident career decision-making and allows participants to get the 'inside scoop' on a particular career they have been thinking about for their future.”
Since its inception in 2003, the initiative has grown from 100 to more than 170 participating McMaster students this year.
What started as collaboration between social sciences students, the Experiential Education Initiative and Career Services, now includes the humanities and science faculties. This year, students from these three faculties will gain first-hand experience by working with career hosts throughout Hamilton and the GTA.
Angela Fortino, employment services development co-ordinator with Career Services, says every year enthusiasm and support by career hosts grows. “Many career hosts are also part of an on-going mentoring program called Careerlinks,” says Fortino. “This year we were fortunate to be able to partner with the McMaster University Alumni Association and with their assistance we recruited many McMaster alumni to act as career hosts”
This is the first year the Faculty of Science has participated. Susan Fekecs, Science Career Services co-ordinator, believes the value of such an event is tremendous. “Job Shadow gives students a chance to see what different careers are truly like. It offers them an opportunity to make an educated decision about future plans, whether they are entering the work force, or continuing their schooling.”
Last year, numerous humanities students participated in a job shadow, a trend that continued this year as students lined up to register for spots.
“One of the interesting things about the world of work is how many careers exist out there that most of us haven't even heard of,” says Rowena Muhic-Day, career services co-ordinator for humanities. “Job Shadow gives students the chance to talk to people who are having a great time making a good living doing these kinds of jobs, as well as the ones we all know about. It's a real benefit for students to realize how broad their employment options actually are.”
For more information on Job Shadow Week contact Angela Fortino, employment services development co-ordinator, Career Services at 905-525-9140 ext. 26137 or fortino@mcmaster.ca.
