Shadowing and Mentoring
One of the best ways to evaluate different career options and industries is by shadowing professionals in your field of interest. Shadowing and mentoring come in many forms, from formal opportunities to interact with professionals to simply spending a day at the office with a family member or friend.
When seeking out a shadowing opportunity, utilize all the resources available to you for accessing individuals who may be able to help you. Contact family and friends, professors or existing mentors for help. In addition, the Career Center has multiple tools available to aid you in your search:
Externship Opportunities
Externships are career exploration opportunities that provide students with a snapshot of a particular career environment, enabling them to gather information that will influence their career decisions. Students shadow an alumnus or friend of Duke for 1-5 days during Fall/Spring Break or after commencement in May. Externships often include overviews of the career, informational interviews with professionals and short-term projects. To find out more information about setting up an externship opportunity, contact the Career Center at (919) 660-1050 to set up an appointment with a career counselor.
Health Careers Exploration Program (HCEP)
The Health Careers Exploration Program (HCEP) provides mentorship opportunities for students interested in health professions. Mentorships can be arranged for short-term intensive interactions (e.g., two or three weeks) or longer part-time commitments with Duke alums working in a health career in your hometown. Click on the link at the bottom of the page for more information.
More Information: