Create Your Own Shadow
Guidelines for Students
The Shadow Program offers Wellesley students the opportunity to spend time with alumnae exploring professional fields. Many students have found this a particularly useful vehicle when exploring various career fields, industries and professional organizations.
In order to locate the best opportunities for your Shadow Day(s), it would be helpful if you focus on one geographic area and one career field, although not absolutely necessary. You should also consider contacting friends, relatives, professors and others for possible Shadow opportunities. Once you have decided on a city, career field, industry or employer, you are ready to explore the W Network. The network consists of Wellesley alumnae who have volunteered to share information with students about their career paths. Please note that these alumnae have volunteered to be part of the W Network to provide career advice and information, and should not be solicited for jobs, housing or internship opportunities.
The next step is to contact the alumna you are interested in shadowing. An introductory letter, phone call or e-mail should then be sent to your alumna sponsor. Although you may start with an introductory e-mail, phone contact works best when soliciting an alumna for a Shadow opportunity. You should convey to the alumna that you are interested in exploring her career field and would like to spend a day or a portion of a day with her in her professional environment. Remember, you are not applying for a job; rather a Shadow Day is similar to an informational interview. The best preparation is to be aware of your own goals for the Shadow Day. Clearly express your objectives and goals to the alumna in your initial contact and indicate that you will follow up with a telephone call in one week to confirm the logistics of your Shadow Day.
Always keep a list of addresses, phone numbers and e-mails of the alumnae you contact. Be prepared for a varied response from the alumnae; some will be enthusiastic right away; others will want to discuss the program and your personal objectives first. Clearly convey your objectives to the alumna or other contact. Most importantly, be enthusiastic! Some find it helpful to rehearse what they are going to say beforehand, but just remember that these are Wellesley alumnae, so relax... you can always talk about Wellesley.
If the alumna agrees to be your Shadow sponsor, take the initiative to arrange a time and a meeting location that is convenient for both of you. Ask your sponsor what is considered appropriate attire at her workplace. Be sure to check online for directions and general information about the company. Recognize the alumna’s commitment to you by researching information about her company before your Shadow Day.
Some students have kept in contact with their Shadow sponsors and their contacts have led to summer internships and permanent jobs; however, an alumna is in no way committed to providing such opportunities when she agrees to be a Shadow sponsor. Enjoy your Shadow Day and the unique exposure that you will get from spending a day with a Wellesley alumna.