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This January, 123 students from Northampton Community College (NCC) completed job shadows through regional job sites, allowing the students to explore a specific career path and experience a typical day in the life of an employee or team. Job shadows included a tour of the facilities, discussions with employees about their job responsibilities, and the opportunity to connect with professionals in a student’s chosen field.
“Our industry will thrive by introducing new talent into it. Job shadowing, internships and more, help bridge the gap between being students and becoming employees,” said Senior Director of Hospitality at Settler’s Hospitality Hotel Group, Sarah Trimmer.
By shadowing an employer, students can get a real world feel for what a career path might have in store for them. Assistant Director of Employer Engagement at NCC, Jacqueline Stackhouse, says shadowing is an important part of a student's educational journey at the college. “It provides career clarity, networking opportunities, and valuable insights to help students make informed education and career decisions.”
St. Luke's Representative Speaks with Students
Shanique Bourn, who shadowed at St. Luke’s University Health Network, said, “I started the nursing major at NCC with the intention of becoming an operating room (OR) nurse. My job shadow experience took place in the emergency department (ED), and I believe I would thoroughly enjoy being in the ED.”
“Going into the control room was the most memorable part of the day because that's where I want to go with my field,” explained NCC media production major, Gianna Perna, who shadowed with Lehigh Valley Public Media. “The people were very helpful when I asked them questions, and I even got someone's business card. I realized that PBS has both of my passions, film and working with kids. I really want to see if I can get a job or internship."
Students with Altitude Marketing Crew
Altitude Marketing, a participant in the NCC shadow program for the past three years, introduced sessions on workplace etiquette, resumes, and cover letters to support students' professional development. Lutron Electronics demonstrated their products to show how they integrate with other systems and products, including Alexa, Sonos, Apple, and Honeywell HVAC controllers. They even took students to the test lab to see the equipment in action. Software Consulting Services asked students at the site to use their critical thinking skills to work through a situation they may encounter while working for the company.
Witnessing the impact that various careers have on the community was a highlight for many students. At Treatment Trends, residents shared their stories, which gave students firsthand insight into the clients that they work with at the company. At St. Luke’s, some students were able to observe surgery during their visits, giving them a better understanding and a newfound respect for the medical field.
Ascend Counseling Services with Students
Students found it beneficial to see themselves in the workplace that they visited. NCC psychology student, Miyoshy Stallings, shadowed with Ascend Counseling Services and said, “The most valuable part about the job shadow was the way that Moneefah and Allison really went in depth with every aspect of their organization and all the different hats that social workers can wear. I really appreciated that and the fact that they were Black and women owned.”
Some job sites support the community in many different areas. Lehigh County showed students a variety of their departments. Students were able to witness care visits, see blood draws, sit in on a court case, meet with two judges, and visit with several department heads to see how every area is connected. “Students were able to see how their degrees could be used in a variety of departments and in multiple ways,” said Melissa Dorflinger, Lehigh County’s recruiting and retention manager.
The partnerships with the organizations help industry leaders fill positions with qualified students that stay connected after the shadow experience. “Careers in healthcare are growing, and we need the next generation of students to consider pursuing the education and training needed for this industry. St. Luke’s also has a wide range of clinical and non-clinical positions, and we want students from a wide range of academic majors to consider job opportunities with us. Continuing to provide excellent patient care in the future means investing in our students today,” said Manager of Career Navigation at St. Luke’s, Andrea Reger.
Shawnee Mountain’s Marketing Director, Rachel Wyckoff, echoed the same sentiment, adding, “By participating, we hope to inspire future professionals, support workforce development in our community, and give students a meaningful look at career paths they may not have considered.”
"The entire experience helped to narrow my career focus a lot more than reading about working environments, co-workers and the overall workplace environment. Being able to meet professionals and ask questions 'off the record' so to speak gives a better understanding of the things they had to adapt to in various roles,” said NCC business administration student, John Malone, who shadowed with St. Luke’s University Health Network.
Thank you to all the organizations that participated in NCC’s job shadow program this winter:
Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem
Lehigh Valley Dual Language Charter School
Meyer Jabara Hotels - Courtyard by Marriott
Monroe County Children and Youth Services
Northampton Community College - Center for Career Development & Alumni Engagement
Northampton Community College - Housing & Residence Life
Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement
St. Luke's University Health Network
Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Stay tuned to NCC’s career development page for updates about shadowing and other opportunities to build and expand on your knowledge and become career ready!
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road
Bethlehem PA 18020
610.861.5300
