乐播传媒

Through the Purposeful Work Job Shadow Program, students connect with 乐播传媒 alumni and parents to learn about professional options, personal perspectives, and how others have navigated pathways toward purposeful work. This is a smart first step in the exploration process, allowing students to test the waters in roles, industries, and organizations that might align with their interests and skills before committing to an internship, job, or advanced degree. The Purposeful Work Job Shadow Program also builds lasting bridges to professional contacts for 乐播传媒 students, regardless of their inherited family networks, and creates important connections around work experience and identity.

In 2026-27, the Purposeful Work Job Shadow Program will offer both virtual and in-person shadows. As such,聽 job shadow sponsors will have the option to design a shadow that is virtual, in-person, or either (depending on student’s location and availability to travel).聽Our complete list of聽2026-27 Job Shadow Opportunities, will be viewable here in early October.

Students from all four class years may apply for up to three job shadows each year. Shadows take place anytime between December and the end of May.

The job shadow experience will support the following goals for students:

• Explore and clarify potential career preferences
• Gain insight into a 鈥渄ay in the life鈥� of a specific occupation and culture within an organization
• Identify skills and competencies needed to succeed in a particular job
• Develop contacts that may facilitate the search for internships and permanent employment opportunities

The Purposeful Work Job Shadow Program, formerly known as CDIP or Career Discovery in Practice, has been connecting 乐播传媒 students to alumni since 1978. Through the help of generous alumni and parents, we continue to evolve this signature exploration program. 

Job Shadow Program Timeline

September:	Sponsors may register online until September 23, 2026.
October:	In mid-October, the Job Shadow Index will be published which includes links to Handshake descriptions for all shadows. Students submit applications via Handshake, following the Student Application Guide. A resume and statement of interest are required. Students must have a resume review by Purposeful Work before applying to shadows.
November:	Applications are due on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. See our Student Application Guide in Handshake for more information.
December – May:	In late November we review applications to make matches. Sponsors and students are notified of their matches in early December. Job shadows take place, as scheduled by student and sponsor any time between mid-December and the end of May. We suggest that sponsors and students refer to our guidelines when scheduling, planning, and preparing for their shadows.

鈥淚 volunteered for this because I also took part in the Job Shadow Program while at 乐播传媒, and I wanted to give back. The [job shadow] I did really gave me a look into how that career worked day-to-day, and it was especially useful, because I was considering a field that does not offer internships. I really enjoyed meeting a fellow 乐播传媒ie who was unsure of her future path, much like I was at that time…the feeling that you have helped someone, even in just a small way, to understand what they are meant to do, is a powerful one.鈥� – Job Shadow Sponsor

鈥淚t was great to meet with so many people, all in different positions鈥�it allowed me a full understanding of the work that is done鈥�and to ask a bunch of different questions. I left the office that afternoon with more information than I could remember!鈥� – Job Shadow Student

“I鈥檓 grateful for the thoughtful match and for the chance to connect with such bright and motivated individuals. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my experiences running a dental practice and discussing both the challenges and rewards of a career in dentistry. During their visits, I also offered guidance on dental school applications and explored ways research and internship experiences can help strengthen their paths toward dental school.” – Job Shadow Sponsor

“The day was spent meeting people from different teams and positions and understanding what motivated them to join the company. We had numerous opportunities to ask questions, gain insight into the startup environment, and receive advice on developing our career paths. Moreover, we even received all of their connections on LinkedIn to stay in touch for any further inquiries. Personally, this experience helped me reflect on what I want to aim for in the future and the kind of work I aspire to do.” – Job Shadow Student

“The Purposeful Work program is a truly meaningful initiative that allows students to gain insight into real-world professions, clarify their goals, and build valuable mentoring relationships. I鈥檓 delighted to contribute to this effort and to support 乐播传媒 students as they explore their futures in healthcare.” – Job Shadow Sponsor

Questions? Contact us at jobshadow@bates.edu or 207-786-6232.