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. You should also consider contacting friends, relatives, professors and others for possible Shadow opportunities.
Suggested steps for creating your Shadow Day(s) with an alumna:
- Narrow your focus. Decide on a city, career field, industry or employer
- Search the W Network. The network consists of Wellesley alumnae who have volunteered to share information with students about their career paths. 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.
- Contact the Alumna. Although you may start with an introductory e-mail, phone contact works best when soliciting an alumna for a Shadow opportunity. Read about "Network Etiquette". 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! You may find it helpful to rehearse what you 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. Do your part and recognize the alumna's commitment 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.
Shadow Handouts