Pictured: Students, Faculty, and Staff who were involved in the Spring 2009 Sophomore Shadowing Program |
Sophomore Students Get Taste of On the Job Experiences "Shadowing" Local Professionals
During the Spring 2009 semester, sophomores at Caldwell College were given the opportunity to explore a career in their chosen fields. Students "shadowed" local professionals, many of whom were Caldwell College alumni, throughout a typical workday. Opportunities included shadowing professionals in Event Planning, Marketing, Social Services, High School Counseling, and even Broadway musical production.
These shadowing experiences are part of the Second Year Experience (SYE) at Caldwell College. "National findings show that sophomores in particular face difficult and unique challenges, such as an intensified curriculum, career and major selection issues, an academic 'twilight zone' and a decrease in the support they had during freshman year," said Harriet Schenk, Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs. "The mission of the SYE is to help second year students identify and develop academic and career-oriented goals and to provide them with opportunities to engage in campus life."
Roseanna Scimone, who shadowed a Special Education teacher, recognized the uniqueness of this opportunity. "It was a phenomenal experience that I would not have been able to have this early in my college career, had I not been introduced to such wonderful shadowing opportunities through the Second Year Committee," she said.
For sophomore Abhishek Karki, shadowing at Prudential Insurance Company helped him overcome his fear of the corporate world and set his sights on a future career as an actuary. "I was captivated by the work environment, the job prospects, and the challenges that I had to face at my future job," Karki said. He added that this experience will help motivate him to pass the difficult exams required to become an actuary.
Vanessa Treus got more than she expected out of her day spent with a High School guidance counselor. Not only was she able to sit in on several counseling sessions with students and parents, she was also able to meet with the school psychologist and learn the differences between the two professions. "I feel that I learned so much from this experience," Treus said. "I cannot say enough positive things about my day." Another Caldwell student is scheduled to shadow a translator at the United Nations.
Additional opportunities available through the SYE Program include "Meet Your Major Day" and informational sessions on Internships, Study Abroad programs, Residence Life and academic advising questions. SYE also offers fun activities and social gatherings, including "Clash of the Classes," a competition between sophomores and freshmen, and "Breakfast Under the Stars," a late night breakfast served by faculty and staff the night before Spring semester exams. Schenk says colleges with established traditions that help to provide a sense of class spirit and college pride will also help attract and retain students.
In the meantime, sophomores can continue to explore and pursue career options through assistance available from The Office of Career Planning & Development. But now they can also begin their junior year with the renewed confidence, perspective, and excitement that SYE provides.