Spring 2022 Job Shadow Program Applications are Live

The Career Services Office at the Daytona Beach, Florida campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is set to have Job Shadow Day occur on Friday, March 11, 2022. This is a half-day experience where committed, driven students and local Central Florida companies interact and mingle prior to Embry-Riddle students’ spring break. Prior to job shadowing, students apply on Handshake, get matched with an employer, attend a virtual orientation session, receive communication from the company, and finally are expected to arrive on site with an open mind and heart. It is an avenue for students to make a lasting first impression on the company within the span of a few hours.

Students gain the opportunity to network with a company of their related field and industry, a chance to interact with professionals in the field, and get a better idea of what they want to pursue for an internship or for post-graduation. Through students and companies’ testimonies who have participated in the spring 2021 and summer 2021 job shadow days, positive outcomes included a subsequent semester of internship and employment after graduation.

Employers benefit by having their name and brand promoted to students and their connections. They get the opportunity to learn about Embry-Riddle students, the culture and professional development initiative of the Career Services Office, and have their company name be advertised on Handshake to roughly 7,600 currently enrolled Daytona Beach students. Company professionals have the ability to shape the students’ outlook on their future careers. They serve as a catalyst by providing insight on what skillsets are successful for their workplace and overall trends in their respective industry.

“It was great to give back to students of ERAU since I began my career at the museum and planetarium as a Riddle student as well,” said Seth Mayo, a Curator of Astronomy, at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach. “It was also wonderful to see the enthusiasm, talent, and dedication, that these young students possessed as they pursue STEM careers.”

In addition it can be a phenomenal way for ERAU students to stay in the Sunshine State after student life at Embry-Riddle. Cheryl Perreault, Human Resources Director, with Teledyne Marine (Daytona Beach), said partnering with local universities is a “a great way to build our local talent pipeline.”

Employer representatives also enjoy communicating with the Career Services Office and planning the day and logistics with their team members. Lauren Cumber, Director of Human Resources, of LTG, Inc. in Ormond Beach said she “loved having the opportunity to show students” their workspace and having them meet with members of the team.

Spring 2022 job shadow applications are live on Handshake and close on Friday, February 4, 2022. There are 11 companies represented throughout the Central Florida community that specialize in industries of aviation, aerospace, space technologies, defense, engineering, and the arts and sciences.