Student Testimonials

"I arrived at my Sponsor's office in the Harvard School of Public Health in the morning, and she first told me about her position and showed me around the facility. I was introduced to several biostatisticians, epidemiologists, and other public health professionals that readily answered any questions I had. I later sat in on two meetings--one regarding a study she was working on, and the other regarding new analytical software that they may be using in the future. After this she generously took me to lunch in the school (which had great food) and I subsequently sat in on a phone conference call about another study. All in all a very interesting and representative day of a biostatistician."

Student Testimonials

"I shadowed a law clerk at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York City. I had planned to go in on a day where I would be able to observe a trial taking place. I got to the office around 9:00 AM, but due to a last-minute scheduling change, the trial did not start until 1:00 PM. There was not much for me to do during the time, but my sponsor did take some time to talk with me and answer some of my questions. I also read the case documents of the trial I was going to see later in the day. The actual trial was interesting and it was great to see how things actually happen in a courtroom. Overall, I am satisfied with my experience."

Student Testimonials

"This Shadowing Experience afforded me the opportunity to both explore the field of neurology, and confirm my interest in becoming a physician, and potentially a neurologist. The fact that the Sponsor is a Brandeis Alum makes the experience all the more enjoyable, as there are many points on which you can relate with your sponsor. My experience was made all the more worthwhile because of my sponsor's eagerness to share both the pros and cons of his field. This invaluable opportunity also allowed me to integrate all that I have learned in my classes in a clinical setting."

Contacting Your Sponsor

Once you've received your Shadowing Experience & Alumni Networking match, you are expected to complete all the steps outlined below. 

Immediately
Before
During
After
Additional Reference: Pre-Departure Workshop
Shadowing Contract
LinkedIn

Immediately

  • After you complete the application process, you will receive an email with your Shadow Sponsor's information. 
  • The email contains your Sponsor's email and phone number, as well as information on his/her current employment.
  • As soon as you get this information: Send your Sponsor the Shadowing Experience email. You can find it by logging into OptimalCoverLetter and finding it amongst a list of letters. 
  • Attach your resume. We strongly encourage you to build a Web portfolio and send that as a link to your employer. You can build these using OptimalPortfolio.  

Before

  • Converse with your Sponsor via email or phone to arrange a convenient day for you to come in.
  • Remind your Sponsor to pick a day where he/she has interesting meetings, and gaps in the day where he/she can talk to you. Picking a day where he/she catches up to email wouldn't be interesting.
  • Make sure you absolutely know the location and how to get there.
  • Research:  Your Sponsor will expect you to know SOME facts, trends, themes that apply to his/her field.  Additionally, you should research the Sponsor's company.  You can find more information about preparation in this handout.
  • Remember that you are representing Brandeis as a whole - coming unprepared could be detrimental to you and other students.  On the other, appearing prepared could lead to great opportunities for you. 

During

  • Look through this handout for sample questions you can ask during your day.
  • Show initiative and don't be afraid to ask for a tour of facilities, to be introduced to other colleagues, etc.
  • Since you will be interacting with professionals in the field, you need to dress accordingly.  Consider what you would wear to a professional interview.  You probably don't need to wear a suit, but consider a shirt with a tie, or a blouse with skirt/slacks cominations.  Wear close-toed shoes with apporpriate socks.  Shave if needed.
  •  Alternatively, if your experience is hands-on work, (eg. environmental work, teaching) consult with your Sponsor about appropriate dress.

After

  •  Send a hand-written, personalized thank you note.
  • Write it on a nice card or a nice piece of stationery.
  • Develop a plan for staying in touch with your Sponsor.

Pre-Departure Workshop

  • You can view the Pre-Departure Workshop again through this link.
  • Download the Shadowing Handout for a step-by-step guide to informational interviews.

Shadowing Contract

Hiatt's LinkedIn Networking Group