K in the Zoo gives Kalamazoo College students the opportunity to spend time with local professionals, see what their work actually looks like, ask questions, and explore whether a career field might be a good fit. Winter shadows take place on one designated day; Spring Break shadows may last one to three days depending on the host opportunity.
2027 K in the Zoo Opportunities
Winter Break Job Shadow Day
Friday, February 12, 2027
- Host Registration: October 20–December 16, 2026
- Student Applications: January 8–22, 2027
- Matches Announced: January 27, 2027
Spring Break Job Shadows
March 15–19, 2027 | 1–3 days, depending on host availability
- Host Registration: October 20, 2026–February 8, 2027
- Student Applications: February 8–22, 2027
- Matches Announced: March 3, 2027
How would you like to participate?
I’m a K Student
Explore a career from the inside. Spend time with a professional, observe their work, meet colleagues, ask questions, and get a better sense of what a career field is really like.
Winter applications: Jan. 8–22 | Spring applications: Feb. 8–22.
I’d Like to Host a K Student
Give a K student a behind-the-scenes look at your work. Let them observe what you do, meet colleagues, ask questions, and learn more about your career field.
Host registration opens October 20, 2026.
For Students
What is a job shadow?
A job shadow is a short-term opportunity to experience a workplace and learn directly from someone working in a career that interests you. Rather than completing an internship project, you will primarily observe, ask questions, participate in appropriate activities, and learn about the host’s work and career path.
Maya started with a job shadow. Where could a yours take you?
A job shadow can be a first step.
You do not need to know exactly what career you want to pursue. K in the Zoo can help you explore an interest, test an assumption about a career, or discover a field you had not previously considered. You’ll also make great connections!
Maya Alkema ’26 first connected with Greenleaf Hospitality Group through a K in the Zoo job shadow. After graduation, she joined Greenleaf as a Hotel Operations Intern. During her internship, Maya gained experience across departments, making herself a valueable part of the team. Just a few months later, she was promoted from intern to full-time as a part of Greenleaf’s Emerging Leader Program!
A job shadow doesn’t have to lead directly to a job to be valueable, but it can be the beginning of a professional connection that continues long after the day is over.
Student Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can participate?
- All students, regardless of class year, may apply for the program. Participation in the program will require students to be available either on K’s Winter Break Day or for at least one weekday during Spring Break.
- How do I apply?
- No resume required. Apply via the form 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 during my job shadow?
- You’ll coordinate the schedule directly with your host.. 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 use the interests and preferences in your application to make matches. Please only rank opportunities you would genuinely be excited to participate in, since you may be matched with any host you select.
- 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?
- 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 participating cost me anything?
- No, certain transportation and food costs will be reimbursed. Please save your receipts. Employer hosts have either agreed to cover your lunch (you’ll discuss dietary considerations individually), or you will be reimbursed for up to $20 in lunch costs. If you do not have access to your own transportation, you may use a ridesharing app and have your costs reimbursed. The program is designed to be no-cost for student participants.
- What do I do if I am matched but no longer able to participate?
- Please let us know as soon as possible so that we may match another student.
For Hosts
What does hosting involve?
Hosting is designed to be flexible. You do not need to develop a formal internship experience or keep a student occupied every minute of the day.
Students benefit from seeing what your work actually looks like. Depending on your workplace, a job shadow might include observing your daily work, attending appropriate meetings, touring your workplace, meeting colleagues, learning about different roles within your organization, or talking with you about your career path.
You choose whether to participate in Winter Break Day, Spring Break, or both, and how many students you are able to host.
Host Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I participate as a host?
- Introduce students to your industry, organization, and career field.
- Support the professional development of K students.
- Build connections with Kalamazoo College and potential future talent.
- What type of approval is needed from my employer?
- Requirements vary by employer. We recommend checking with your supervisor or HR department before registering. Some employers may require a waiver, NDA, or confidentiality agreement, while others may not require anything.
- There is no agreement that you or your employer need to sign with Kalamazoo College. We will provide best practices for hosting a job shadow, but these are recommendations rather than requirements.
- What if my job doesn’t seem all that interesting to shadow?
- Students often have very little exposure to what professional work actually looks like, so even routine parts of your day can be valuable. We will also provide ideas for structuring the experience so that students can learn while you continue your normal work.
- What is expected of me as a host?
- Hosts should give students a realistic look at their work and workplace. Depending on your role and organization, this might include a workplace tour, observing your daily work, attending appropriate meetings, meeting colleagues, or learning about different roles within your organization.
- What kind of activities should I plan?
- There is no required agenda. Possible activities include workplace tours, observing your work, attending appropriate meetings, meeting colleagues, Q&A conversations, or other activities that help students understand your work and career field. See our host resources and ideas for more suggestions.
- How will students be matched with my company?
- Students review available host opportunities and indicate their interests and preferences in the application. We use that information to make matches and will send you your student match and next steps.
- What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
- Please consider your availability carefully before registering, especially for Spring Break, since some students may make plans to remain in Kalamazoo specifically to participate. If your availability changes, contact us as soon as possible.
- Can I host more than one student?
- Yes. You may host more than one student if that works well for you and your workplace. You will indicate how many students you are comfortable hosting when you register.
- Do I need to provide lunch or cover student expenses?
- Hosts are welcome to provide lunch, but it is not required. Students may be reimbursed for up to $20 in lunch costs. They arrange their own transportation, and CCPD has funding available to reimburse rideshare costs. Students should not incur expenses as part of this program.
- Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
- Please contact Rachel Wood at rachel.wood@kzoo.edu for additional questions.
See K in the Zoo in Action
Read more about past K in the Zoo experiences:
- Spring Break Job Shadows Enlighten Students, Benefit Hosts
- Behind the Curtain: Job Shadow Offers Peek at Symphony Operations.
Questions?
Contact us at career@kzoo.edu.