The K in the Zoo program is designed to connect Kalamazoo College (K) students with local employers and alumni for a one-day job shadow experience. This immersive opportunity enables students to explore career paths and gain insight into professional environments while fostering connections between K students, alumni, and the local business community. The program is scheduled for Spring Break, March 19-28, 2025.
Timeline for AY 2024-2025
- November 1 – December 13, 2024 – Host Registration Open
- December 13, 2024 – Final List of Hosts Confirmed
- January 6-27, 2025 – Student Application Open
- February 17, 2025 – Students are matched with hosts (students must accept by February 21)
- February 24, 2025 – Virtual introductions between students and hosts begin
- March 19-28, 2025 – Shadow Days (1-3 days total, scheduled individually with hosts)
- April 1-11, 2025 – Post-Program Feedback Surveys (for all participants)
Frequently Asked Questions (Students)
- What are the benefits for students to participate in the K in the Zoo Job Shadow Program?
- Gain real-world experience and explore a career of interest.
- Build a professional network within the local community.
- Who can apply for the program?
- All students, regardless of class year, may apply for the program. Participation in the program will require students to be available for at least one weekday during Kalamazoo College’s Spring Break.
- How do I apply?
- No resume necessary— just apply via the form (available in January!) and rank your top choices from our participating hosts. You will be asked a few short-answer questions.
- If I live on campus, may I stay during Spring Break to participate in this opportunity?
- Yes.
- What should I expect on Job Shadow Day?
- You will be in communication with your host regarding the job shadow day(s) schedule. A typical day will not begin before 8 a.m. and will end by 5 p.m. at the latest.
- If I am selected, how will I be matched with an employer?
- We will do our best to match as many interested students with job shadows as possible. Students may only do one job shadow through this program, though they are encouraged to utilize our resources for help setting up career conversations or other job shadows on their own.
- Can I request an employer not listed on the application?
- If you don’t see an employer/host on this year’s list, you are welcome to write-in your interests. We will do our best to locate a local employer in your field and add it to our list. However, we may also encourage you to utilize career coaching appointments and the Professional Development Fund to help find, secure, and fund transport to a job shadow outside of this program.
- What should I wear for the Job Shadow Day?
- You will be in communication with your host prior to the job shadow day regarding appropriate attire. Students will not need to purchase specific clothing for the job shadow experience. If concerns arise, please contact rachel.wood@kzoo.edu..
- Will I be paid for this experience?
- This is not a paid work experience. Employer hosts have agreed to cover your lunch (you’ll discuss dietary considerations individually). If you do not have access to transportation and need funding for that, it will be covered by the program. The program is designed to be no-cost for student participants.
- What do I do if I am matched but no longer interested?
- All applicants will be notified of their status by February 17. Selected students will have until February 21 to accept.
- What happens if I don’t get matched with an employer?
- We will encourage you to utilize career coaching appointments and the Professional Development Fund to help find, secure, and fund transport to a job shadow outside of this program.
Frequently Asked Questions (Hosts)
- Why should I participate as a host?
- Showcase your industry and organization to potential future employees.
- Engage with the local college and contribute to the professional development of young talent.
- Build meaningful connections with Kalamazoo College and its students.
- What type of approval is needed from my employer?
- This is dependent upon the employer. We recommend you speak with your supervisor or the HR department to find out what your employer requires. Some employers may require students to sign a waiver, an NDA, or a confidentiality agreement, but others may not require anything, particularly since the student will only be there for a couple of days. There is no cost to your employer, however we do ask that hosts provide students with lunch. There is not an agreement that you or your employer would need to sign. We will provide a list of “best practices” for a job shadow, but these are only recommendations.
- What if my job doesn’t seem all that interesting to shadow?
- Many people have this impression, but students have little exposure to what professional work looks like, plus each student will find different kinds of work interesting. Additionally, we’ll provide tips for how to structure your time while students are job shadowing, so that you can both complete your work and give the student a great experience and a window into your working life.
- What is expected of me as a host?
- Hosts will provide an overview of their workplace, a tour of their facilities, and allow students to interact with multiple employees to gain a broader perspective on their career opportunities. They will also need to cover lunch plans for their students.
- How long will the Job Shadow Day last?
- We tell students that each day will typically last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a break for lunch, but that some hosts may alter this based on their work schedules.
- What kind of activities should I plan?
- We encourage hosts to plan office tours, meetings with staff, Q&A sessions, etc. Here are some additional resources and ideas.
- How do I sign up to be a host?
- To sign up, please register here by December 13, 2024.
- How will students be matched with my company?
- Students will apply for this program and rank their top choices based on all host offers. They will answer a few short questions about their interest in your organizations, and we will match as many students as possible on the back end.
- What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
- Please consider your availability during Kalamazoo College’s spring break before registering to be a host. Students may be staying local over the break solely to participate in this program. If you need to remove yourself as a host, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Can I host more than one student?
- You are welcome to host more than one student. We encourage you to think about how many students would work best for you, your employer, etc.
- Do I need to provide lunch or cover student expenses?
- Hosts will need to provide lunch for their students. You will work out details, dietary restrictions, etc. with your students after they are matched. Students will be responsible for transportation to and from your workplace, and we have processes in place to ensure those costs aren’t a financial barrier for participants.
- Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
- Please contact Rachel Wood at rachel.wood@kzoo.edu for additional questions.
Kalamazoo College alumni who are interested in participating but still have questions should contact Rachel Wood at rachel.wood@kzoo.edu.