CHAMPS Life Skills :: Job Shadowing :: University of Memphis

"[I] was able to get a feel for a specific type of work...This is a great way to get connections and get a feel for your specific type of job."

As part of PAWS, we have implemented a job sharing component that will be very beneficial to our current student-athletes. The goal of job sharing is to allow the student-athletes to gain personal experience and exposure to the multiple opportunities after college. Typically during their sophomore year, but as early a their second semester of their freshman year, the student-athletes will partner with local professionals and spend some time understanding what the "real world" is all about. Below outlines the basics for the Job Sharing & Tiger Mentoring Program:

Introduce the Job Sharing Component of the PAWS program to incoming student-athletes. Some student-athletes may be prepared to begin the job sharing opportunity during their second semester freshman year. This can be discussed with the student-athlete development coordinator.

The Student-Athlete Development Staff (Kristin Rusboldt, the M Club & Athletic Academic Counselors) will work with the student-athletes to select a job sharing mentor from our Tiger Mentor Database that meets their interests and/or future major selection. Student-athletes may chose to participate in more than one job sharing opportunity if they feel like they would like to gain more exposure to different areas. Student-athletes may visit employers one on one or in groups of two or more. The amount of time spent with the employer will depend on the employers needs, as well as the student-athletes availability. The minimum number of meetings should be at least two. As the student-athlete and employer work together, the goal will be to being networking and potentially gain an internship or more formal job opportunities through the experience in job sharing.

We encourage the student-athletes to stay in contact with their Tiger Mentor. The goal of the junior and senior years is to build a relationship that enables job networking and continual career advice. This promotes options and/or connections for internships and future job opportunities during these two years, as well as having contacts for references and careers after graduation.

Job Shadowing Meet & Greet: Three times a year (Fall/Spring/Summer) we will have a Job Sharing and Tiger Mentor social where student-athletes will have an opportunity learn about the program, its process and the expected outcomes before their shadowing begins. It will be a casual meeting with beverages and light appetizers provided. During this meeting, rules, forms, expectations and questions will be discussed with both student-athletes and employers. Location: Hall of Fame Assembly Room

"They were all so nice and more than willing to talk with us. Not only did they explain what their job is but they gave us tips on interviewing and the business world in general. I learned a lot and had a really good time. It was very informative and beneficial. It helped me put what I want to do when I am finished with college into perspective."