Transcript *How To* Texan Shadow - Tarleton State University

Provided by Career Services, Tarleton State University
Your application will remain pending until you complete the
following:
1.
2.
3.
Review this slide show presentation,
Receive at least a 80% or higher on the quiz after viewing the
presentation, and
Meet (briefly) face-to-face with career services staff to clarify details
of your application.
Many quiz questions come from the videos inserted in this
presentation. Make sure to watch all videos before taking
the quiz! YOU WILL NEED SOUND!
• You will receive a student packet that includes information from the
employer regarding dress code, parking, etc.
• At least one week prior to your Shadow, confirm with the employer
that everything is correct in your Texan Shadow packet, specifically:
– Date and time
– Address (clarify any driving directions you need)
– Parking (is it a garage? is there a fee? etc)
Many times, a third party at your mentor’s workplace provided the information in your Texan
Shadow packet. Therefore, it is always best to review all information provided from the company
with your mentor before the event.
• Confirm with your mentor that the appropriate attire listed in your
Texan Shadow packet is accurate.
• Pre-Plan what you will wear based on the info in your packet, and
describe your attire to your mentor:
“My paperwork said to wear business casual clothing. I’m planning to wear
black slacks and a long-sleeved, button-down shirt; is that acceptable?”
• Some companies have strict policies on tattoos, jewelry, piercings
and attire. Clarify these with your mentor before the Shadow.
Video: Office Attire: The Do Not Wear List
• Arrange for your own transportation to the Shadow.
• TSU cannot provide transportation to your Shadow.
• Make certain that you have all necessary and required auto
insurance, drivers license, and a dependable vehicle for the
day.
• Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early the day of the
Shadow.
• If you are not familiar with the area you are traveling to, print
driving directions (Yahoo, Google, Mapquest, etc)
• Be mindful that online driving instructions (as listed above) do
not take into consideration any construction, detours, and
traffic that may slow your time.
• Review the “Potential Texan Shadow Mentor Questions” sent to you
via email and available on the Texan Shadow website.
• Plan on using this opportunity to learn about the job(s) you are
shadowing!! Be prepared to ask some questions.
• Please do not just follow your mentor around closed-mouthed!
Show interest in what is going on!!
• Video: Check out Diana’s story on asking questions for future goals.
The employer may ask for your contact
information prior to the shadow so they will be
prepared for you. The following is the only type
of information we share with employers:
– Name
– Classification
– Major/Minor
– Phone Number
– Email
• By choosing to participate in Texan Shadow – a voluntary program – you are assuming any
risks and / or liabilities associated with your shadow experience.
• Some placements carry greater risks than others, including those that regularly work with
large pieces of equipment, machinery, animals, etc. If your chosen field involves such
things, you may have opportunities to interact with these same pieces of equipment,
machinery, animals, etc.
• It is your choice whether or not to assume this risk!!
• If you are uncomfortable performing a task requested by your mentor, communicate this
to your mentor and DO NOT do something for which you are not prepared!
Tarleton State University and Career Services are not
responsible for any accidents or liabilities that may occur
during your Texan Shadow.
The Shadow Day
• Introduce yourself to your mentor and shake her or his hand.
• Video: Learn how!
• Ask your mentor for a business card (you will need this
contact information later for a thank you letter).
• Video: Business cards
The Shadow Day
• Pay attention to things about the job that you like and dislike.
• Act interested (even if you’re really not!)
*Please remember your mentor is volunteering to host you. DO NOT
embarrass yourself or TSU by acting bored or ungrateful, even if you
realize this job is not for you! Learn what you can, and use the
information in making your career choices!
Quick Tip for your
career development:
Making a positive impression may allow you to build
a relationship with your mentor, who can potentially
be a contact in the company for information about
internships, employment, possibly a reference, etc.
The Shadow Day
• Don’t forget to smile, relax, and ask questions…refer to the
“Potential Texan Shadow Mentor Questions” in your packet or
online. Feel free to take it with you.
• TIP: Pay attention to what your mentor talks about…sometimes
they may answer your questions before you ask them. Use that
information to ask deeper, more technical questions.
• Employers provide Career Services feedback on their experience
with Texan Shadow. Do you know what a large portion of employers
wish students would do more of?
The Shadow Day
• Leave your cell phone hidden in your vehicle.
• If you are waiting for an urgent phone call and you must take
your phone with you, place your phone on vibrate or silent
and EXPLAIN to your mentor why you have it with you.
• Absolutely no texting or phone calls while on the shadow
(believe us – we will hear about it!)
• Video: Cell phones
The Shadow Day
• Not Showing Up is NOT an option.
• Only in drastic circumstances should you cancel the day of the
Shadow.
– If there is an emergency / illness and you and absolutely cannot make it, that
is a part of life and is understandable. Here is what you need to do:
• First
Contact your mentor immediately. If you want to
reschedule, you may do so at that time.
• Second
Contact Career Services
• If you “No Show”, you will not be allowed to participate
in the Texan Shadow program again.
After the Shadow
• Send a Thank You note within 24 hours.
– Do this regardless of whether or not you enjoyed your shadow!
– Please remember – again – your mentor gave his or her time to host
you with no compensation for that time. It is highly inappropriate NOT
to say thank you for this gesture.
• Review samples provided by About.com by Yahoo
Sample Thank You Note
– Do not copy word for word. Make it personal to your shadow
experience as you want to leave a lasting positive impression.
After the Shadow
• Complete the Texan Shadow survey emailed to you a few days
after your scheduled Shadow event.
• Whether you had a fabulous experience or a horrible
experience, Career Services values your feedback about your
Texan Shadow and we need to know what parts were positive
and negative for future considerations.
 Career Services is NOT obligated to place you for a shadow.
 Your “fit” with the program is being evaluated from the moment you submit your
application.
 CS will not risk damaging a relationship with an employer (which, in turn, negatively
impacts your fellow students) by placing a student whose behavior causes concern.
 If you are placed but behave inappropriately, you will not be allowed to participate in
the future. Unacceptable behavior includes (but is not limited to):
Keep these things in mind:
Enjoy yourself! You will make a better impression and learn more if you relax and enjoy
the opportunity. (We have yet to hear of a mean mentor!)
Learn everything you can, from everyone you can. This is a rare
opportunity to see things “in action” in your field, so soak it up! You can take a notebook and jot
things down as you go.
Make connections. Some students have obtained volunteer opportunities, internships,
and even employment through their Shadow experience. It is up to you to put your best foot
forward and connect in a positive way with people! Be pleasant. Ask for business cards and
remember names. Plan to keep in touch after the shadow (you can do this through email,
Linkedin.com, etc. Ask us if you have questions about doing this).
Test Time
• You must receive at least an 80% or higher on this quiz BEFORE your
application will be processed.
• You will check your score before submitting, and you have the
option to re-take the quiz if you are unsatisfied with your score.
• Once you submit your quiz, we will verify the score and then
contact you to arrange a face-to-face meeting (if you attend a
campus other than Stephenville, we can make alternate
arrangements).
• After the meeting, we will begin working on your application.
• Take the Quiz