This winter break, while many UMBC students played the latest Call of Duty or took a winter class, a small group of busy students got to shadow alumni in various professions. In its second year, the UMBC Student/Alumni Job Shadow Externship Program brings interested students together with willing alumni for a day, giving the student "an insider's view of his/her field of interest."

A joint program between the Shriver Center and the Office of Alumni Relations, it provides students another option short of an internship to test the waters. This program was designed with two groups in mind: those who were too busy for a full-time internship and those who were uncertain about their major or career choices. For those who are too busy to commit to an internship, the job shadow program allows students to network; students are able to meet with working professionals in their field through their UMBC alumni host, a valuable resource for soon-to- be graduates. For those unsure about their career or education choices, the job shadow program is a way for students to dip their feet into the water. "This program allows the student to be exposed to a unique work environment with a relatively small investment of time," offered Wayne Lund, an alumnus who had students follow him for a day.

Whatever the reason, the program has proven popular with both students and alumni so far. One student stated in an anonymous survey of The Shriver Center, "The job shadow program is absolutely a great and positive experience for anyone interested in learning more about a certain field." Others felt the one day shadowing helped reaffirm their career choices, encouraging them to keep working. The Shriver Center advertises the program as a way for students to "learn how to apply [an] academic major through discussions with a professional who has a similar background [while making] intern connections and begin to [establish] a professional network.... This opportunity offered many of the benefits of a semester-long internship in a single day," said another student in their survey response about the program.

Responses from alumni were strong as well. Lund said, "I really enjoy interacting with students who have a genuine interest in learning something new."

Monique Armstrong, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, reached out to alumni through traditional means like the alumni newsletter but also employ social media websites: Facebook and LinkedIn. Armstrong was able to communicate directly with alumni about the program and the many possible benefits.

The Shriver Center believes this program can help improve "an organization's visibility among the brightest and most motivated UMBC students [and help promote] internship and full-time employment opportunities."

The Shriver Center's Casey Miller, the Assistant Director of Professional Practice, is eager to build from these experiences, believing "the need is out there, and our goal is to grow [the program.]" The program is the first step though, with some students continuing on with an internship. Brittany Foreman, a UMBC student, seized the chance while on a job shadow last year and asked about an internship. And she got it. Marla Lazarous, an alumni participant in the program said, "Be open to opportunity. Opportunities may not always come as you envisioned them, but they always come for a reason."

Those interested in the Job Shadow program are encouraged to contact the Shriver Center for more information. They will be hosting the upcoming Annual Service-Learning Fair on Friday, February 5, just the start of their many events this semester. For the latest information, check their blog at http://www.umbc.edu/blogs/shrivercenter/.