Shadow for Success

The Rider Shadow Experience (IND 350)

Career Development and Success is pleased to be teaching this exciting course that supports the career education and professional development of Rider students. Students, enrolled in the course, establish a Shadow Host and spend time with their Host within a professional setting aligned with their anticipated career path, and observe - firsthand, the daily realities of a specific job and work environment.     

Upon completion, students earn both academic credit and an Engaged Learning point. The course consists of a preparatory on-line seminar, a minimum of 20-25 on-site hours, journaling and a final online seminar. It is offered during the Fall, J-Term (Winter) and Spring semesters.

^{* IND 350 is a one-credit billable PASS/FAIL course. All components of the course must be completed satisfactorily for students to pass the class}.

IND 350 Course Objectives:

• Conduct research and outreach to secure a Shadow Host.
• Learn about a specific job, organization, and/or professional field.
• Observe actual daily work experiences in a distinct professional realm.
• Connect classroom learnings to applied practice in the world of work.
• Understand skills, knowledge, and experience that a job, and field require.
• Identify professional interests, strengths, and skills informed by self-reflection.
• Develop a supportive relationship with successful career professionals.
• Add to a resume and gain experience to assist in the job interview process.
• Increase confidence in the ability excel in a professional setting.
• Discover how to dress, communicate, and manage as a professional.
• Network in a career domain of interest.

IND 350 Academic Requirements to Enroll

This course is open to students with 30 or more credits completed and a GPA of no less than a 2.5. 

IND 350 Instructions to Register

Students interested in registering for IND 350 who meet the requirements, should EMAIL the following to Kim Barberich at kbarberich@rider.edu.

1. A current resume with major, graduation year and GPA.
2. In your email include your area of interest and the name of your  Shadow Host.

Securing a Shadow Host

It is the responsibility of the student, interested in registering for IND 350, determine their Shadow Host four weeks prior to the start of the semester for which they are enrolling in IND 350. Without a designated Shadow Host you cannot register for the course. For more information on arranging a Shadow Host email careers@rider.edu.

Alumni & Friends of Rider: Become a Host

Are you interested in helping today’s Rider students to become tomorrow’s leaders?

We invite you to become a Rider Shadow Host for this important course that will provide you an opportunity to become engaged in the education of today’s students and maintain your connection to the Rider community.

The Shadow Experience course allows current students to shadow a professional in their workplace for a total of 20-25 hours over the course of a semester (4-12 weeks).

The role of the Shadow Host is to help a student:

• Connect and coordinate with them directly to create a shadow schedule.
• Follow them during their workday in a professional setting.
• Observe their daily routines and work practices including attending meetings.
• Answer questions about and explore s job, organization, field and/or career.
• Allow opportunities for students to ask questions of them and other staff members.

The Shadow Experience course facilitates the connection of Rider students with successful Rider Alumni and other leaders in a unique learning experience during the academic year. Students earn credit and Engaged Learning points for their participation in the course.

If you would like to participate, please submit your information through the Shadow Experience Host Participation Request form.

HOST PARTICIPATION REQUEST FORM