As students make important decisions about where they want their Clark degree to take them, they can gain valuable insight from those who have already traveled the same path. But for students looking for more than “just a job,” connecting with alumni to help validate their passions, realize their potential, and set goals that will help them find their place in a world can seem daunting.

To help students form these relationships, the Career Connections Center invites Clark alumni and students to participate in the ClarkCONNECT Alumni Job Shadow Program. Last year, over 100 alumni answered the call to volunteer, proving that no matter how long they’ve been away from campus or how far they’ve traveled, Clark alums retain a strong connection to campus and a willingness to help current students.

Because of the pandemic, students face unprecedented limitations and barriers to traditional career-exploration opportunities. This year, the ClarkCONNECT Alumni Job Shadow Program is helping to remove these barriers by offering a fully virtual program that will allow students to connect with alumni working in fields they hope to enter or are interested in exploring online. An anticipated result is that more matches will be made and more meaningful connections will be formed around the world.

The participation process has been streamlined as a result of the complete transition to the ClarkCONNECT platform, where alumni can apply to the program directly, communicate with their student(s), and access new and improved resources to help make their job shadow day a success. The platform also provides a forum for alumni networking.

Volunteers are being sought for this year’s Alumni Job Shadow Program. The application window is open to alumni through Friday, Oct. 9. To apply, log onto your ClarkCONNECT account, or create one at clarkconnect.clarku.edu.