Job Shadow Day is an opportunity for students (primarily in the junior class) to spend one day “shadowing” a professional at their workplace to see what their profession or job entails.  A student is matched with a professional at a company that agrees to “host” a student.  It is coordinated at Latin Academy by Ms. Nicole Mitchell, the Boston Private Industry Council Career Specialist for Boston Latin Academy.  The program is held in conjunction with the National Job Shadow Day, usually coinciding with Groundhog Day each February.  For example, IBM, our corporate partner, usually host about 15 students at their office in Cambridge.  The Boston Private Industry Council recruits companies in different industries to participate.  Juniors heard about the program when we held our IBM Mock Interviews for Juniors on January 19 & 20.  Students who performed well at the mock interviews have priority.  Good school attendance is another criteria for participation.

We are fortunate this year to have a full-time Career Specialist from the Boston Private Industry Council working with students from Boston Latin Academy.  In addition to coordinating the Mock Interview Workshops and Job Shadow Day, Ms. Mitchell coaches student on workplace success skills and interviewing skills.  She also helps students apply for internships and summer jobs.  To participate in the PIC program, students need to stop by the PIC Office in Room 110 and submit an application.  Grades and attendance are reviewed as part of the criteria for participation in PIC sponsored programs.  After filling out a PIC application, students meet with Ms. Mitchell and attend several workshops on topics such as resume writing and interviewing skills.

Ms. Mitchell and the PIC program works with students primarily in grades 10-12, although I also encourage 9th graders to meet with her regarding volunteer and internship opportunities.

Students who are looking for summer jobs and internships should start looking now.  Many summer programs have early spring deadlines.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have additional questions about Job Shadow Day or PIC programs, please contact Ms. Nicole Mitchell at .

Best regards,

Catherine Chiu
Program Director
Guidance & Support Services
Boston Latin Academy