This school year, our students in grades 9-12 all particpated in job shadowing.  Our first year of shadowing has become quite a success. The students are engaged in unprecedented experiences even for most adults.

A few exciting highlights:

• Richard Butzen '16 shadowed a civil engineer at HBK Engineering
• Brittany Bejaberg '16 shadowed a pediatrician at the Near North Health Service Corp
• Casandra Romero '15 is shadowing at Weiss Memorial Hospital
• Nick Trujillo '15 will be shadowing at the Inspector General's Office for Chicago

Shadow Reflections

Anthony Cantu '14  "I went to LAZ and saw what really goes on behind the scenes. I saw people fixing meters and the ticket writers getting ready to leave. Everyone was really nice. I heard the calls come into the Call Center where the reps helped people over the phone. I had a chance to see how a big operation is run. I also attended meetings where the bosses decide what will be done. I'm glad I got to see what my dad did because I really wonder if I could do it or if I really wanted to do it. It seems it would be a lot of work."

Jake Neimanas ‘13  "I shadowed Commander Keller at the Chicago Fire Department Training Center. We were at the Fire Training Center on DeKoven Street on the South Side of Chicago. Commander Keller in in charge of the training of all the new recruits. He makes sure that every recruit for the City of Chicago receives all the training they will need to survive on the job. Additionally he does Research and Development for tactics and equipment for the Fire Department. I was thrilled to have this experience. I know it will help me in my future career opportunities." 

Andrew Pendergast '16  "Working with computers is a harder job then you might expect. I recently shadowed an IT guy from Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. It is a non-profit Catholic charity that helps people who have troubles in school and family. AtMercy they have a lot of computers so they need a lot of help when it comes to technology. We talked about how important it was to make sure to keep up with all technology updates. It’s evolving all the time so you have to try to stay on top of it. You also need a commitment because it is not an easy job. But if you have a background in technology you have many job opportunities.  I really enjoyed my shadow experience because I personally love computers, and people come to me when they need help with their computers. It’s really fun and never that boring, so I would recommend it to anyone who wants a job full of adventure."

James Cerda '15  "For my shadow day experience I thought about what new things I would be able to see and learn. I shadowed a radio broadcaster at Univision Radio. Her career was very interesting. I was amazed when I realized that if I were to say one thing, the whole world would be able to hear me. Out of the many people I could've shadowed I'm glad I shadowed her. I think that her job was one of the best experiences I could ever have."

Jasmine Gamboa '15 “Honestly, math is something that comes fairly easy to me. My grandmother, being the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Independent Publishers Group, told me that it would be a good experience to shadow her for a day. I took the opportunity. Taking the Brown line in the morning, being in the downtown area, surrounding myself with executives, were all things that I found myself looking forward to in the future. 

To begin my day, I was given information about the trial I would later sit in on. I learned what an officer had to do to make a law abiding arrest. I was given an example of a police report and shown how each detail is crucial to the case. I'm very thankful for the opportunity to have been able to get that on hands look at a career I am very interesting in pursuing." 

Zoe Tarantino '13  "I am interested in working in the Television and Writing business. I was able to shadow a student who worked for Columbia's television station. This was an extraordinary experience that gave me great ideas for my future. I was exceptionally impressed with Columbia's television department and hope I can be a part of it someday."

Randy Amil, Class of '14   "Architecture is a very challenging career and presents many ups and downs. If you're like me, a person who would enjoy a career in the arts, I can honestly tell you that you'll reward yourself with your own work. Architecture is not a career for just anyone.  You need to be the person that enjoys walking down the street just because of the buildings. 

Shadow Partners