Description
Why Join the Emerging Leaders Shadowing Program?
•Job Shadowing: Gain practical insights into specific careers and industries by shadowing experienced leaders in real-world settings. This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities associated with your fields of interest.
•Mentorship Opportunities: Be paired with industry professionals and seasoned leaders who offer guidance and advice to navigate career pathways. These mentorship relationships are invaluable for achieving professional goals and personal growth.
•Professional Development: Attend site visits to different companies and organizations making impactful changes in the world. Meet with guest speakers who share their career journeys, insights, and advice to help you succeed in your educational and career pursuits.
•Networking Opportunities: Build connections with established professionals, mentors, and peers. These valuable relationships support career advancement and provide ongoing support and guidance.
•Career Guidance: Receive guidance from certified career coaches and seasoned leaders to help navigate career pathways and achieve your professional goals. This support is crucial in making informed career decisions.
•Personal Development: Participate in workshops and seminars focused on personal development topics such as goal setting, time management, resilience, and self-confidence. Develop essential skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, networking, and communication skills.
•Community Engagement: Engage in community service projects, volunteer opportunities, or extracurricular activities related to your career interests to gain practical experience and build your resume.
Program Structure
How the Program Works
•Application Process: Submit your application, including a resume and a statement of interest outlining your goals and expectations from the program. This process ensures that candidates are committed and aligned with the program’s objectives.
•Selection Criteria: Candidates are selected based on academic performance, leadership potential, and alignment with program objectives. This rigorous selection process ensures that the most promising young professionals are chosen to participate.
•Matching: Each participant is paired with a seasoned leader in their preferred industry or field of interest. This matching process considers compatibility and mutual goals, ensuring a productive and meaningful shadowing experience.
•Orientation: A comprehensive online orientation session will familiarize participants with program expectations, guidelines, and objectives, preparing them for their shadowing experience in Washington D.C.
•Shadowing Sessions: Participants will shadow their assigned leaders for 9 hours weekly over eight weeks, observing meetings, projects, and day-to-day activities. Mentors may also provide opportunities to engage with cross-functional departments within the same field.
•Reflection and Feedback: Weekly reflection sessions encourage participants to reflect on their experiences, share insights, and seek feedback from their assigned mentor and career coach, supporting continuous improvement and growth.
•Networking Events: Attend networking events, workshops, and seminars featuring guest speakers and industry experts for additional learning opportunities and networking avenues.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
•Young professionals aged between 21 – 25 years.
•Must be an undergraduate student in their final year or a recent graduate (within the last two years) from an accredited institution.
•Alternatively, must have a degree or certification in a relevant field.
•No previous work experience necessary.
•A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
•Demonstrated leadership potential through previous roles, projects, or extracurricular activities.
•Must have legal documents to enter the U.S. (passport, visa, or any permit).
Application Materials
What You Need to Apply
•Completed Application Form
•Updated Resume or CV
•Statement of Interest: Outline your career goals, expectations from the program, and reasons for applying.
•Two Letters of Recommendation: From academic or professional references who can speak to your qualifications and leadership potential.
Commitment
What We Expect
•Time Commitment: 9 hours weekly for shadowing sessions over the eight-week duration of the program.
•Engagement: Attend the orientation session and participate in all scheduled networking events and reflection sessions.
•Proactivity: Take initiative to network and attend events in Washington D.C. during your free time.
