FSU Career Center job shadow program continues to grow

Adia Celestine, a junior majoring in information communication and Marcia Miles, a senior, majoring in economics, with their host from the Das Group. (Photo Credit: Career Center)
Adia Celestine, a junior majoring in information communication, and Marcia Miles, a senior majoring in economics, with their host from the Das Group. (Photo Credit: Career Center)

More than 90 Florida State University students spent their winter break gaining career experience through the Career Center’s job shadow program — FSUshadow.

The program helps students cultivate career-related, decision-making skills, along with gaining knowledge and insight into a wide variety of career fields and industries. Since FSUshadow’s introduction in fall 2016, student participation has more than doubled.

“There are a lot of talented young people in our communities,” said Christian Parsons, CEO of DAS Group in Miami, Florida, who hosted four students through FSUshadow. “It was so rewarding to be able to offer them advice, answer their questions and be a small stepping stone on their career path. I would encourage other companies to partner with FSU or a university in their area for similar opportunities.”

During the 2017 winter break, students participated in 107 unique shadowing experiences through FSUshadow with businesses and organizations throughout the state of Florida and the nation. The job shadow opportunities ranged from shadowing local Tallahassee businesses, such as Diverse Computing and Sweat Therapy Fitness, to KPBS News in San Diego, California, and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service in Virginia.

Kali Williams, a junior majoring in sport management, spent her winter break with Trifecta Team PR as they coordinated the media efforts for the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa, Florida.

“My experience with the Gasparilla Bowl allowed me to gain firsthand experience with communications programs,” Williams said. “I got to attend meetings with departmental heads, including ESPN and their media team. I am thankful for this opportunity to take the knowledge and skills I have learned at FSU and better my understanding of the sports marketing industry.”

For students interested in FSUshadow, next opportunity to participate is during 2018 Spring Break, March 12-15. All FSU undergraduate and graduate-level students are invited to join and connect with various employers to gain firsthand experience in the career field of their choice.

For more information, email cc-fsushadow@fsu.edu.