LSUA’s job shadowing day offers students diverse career insights

ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) – LSUA recently hosted its annual Job Shadowing Day, giving undergraduate students the opportunity to explore professional careers firsthand by shadowing local industry leaders. Students shadowed professionals across a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, biotechnology, education, judicial and governmental agencies, marketing, energy, and behavioral health services offering them valuable insights into diverse industries, workplace etiquette, and practical career options.

Participating students spent either a half-day or full-day with professionals, touring businesses, attending meetings, networking informally, and observing typical workdays. Job Shadowing Day was designed to help students explore fields related and unrelated to their majors, broadening their understanding of potential careers and local employment opportunities. Local employers enthusiastically welcomed LSUA students, demonstrating a commitment to developing the region’s future workforce, discovering potential interns, and giving back to the community.

LSUA student Camorie Lewis, who shadowed a pediatric physician at Rapides Regional Medical Center, described her experience as transformative. “Shadowing a pediatric intensive care physician allowed me to witness patient rounds firsthand and interact directly with medical students from a school I plan to apply to,” Lewis said. “This experience solidified my interest in pediatrics and provided clarity on pursuing medical school.”

Similarly, Zoe Lupke explored her passion for biotechnology at Avant Organics. Lupke participated in fragrance sampling, toured the facility’s labs and research areas, and assisted in a yeast reduction process aimed at developing sustainable chemical catalysts. “This shadowing experience deepened my understanding of sustainable chemistry and reinforced my enthusiasm for biotechnical engineering,” Lupke said.

Benedetta Peracchi and Jesus Castillo shadowed at Ugly Mug Marketing, gaining valuable insights into professional client interactions and effective communication strategies during meetings. They observed firsthand how the company’s marketing team coordinates and conducts client meetings. Additionally, the students received an inside look at website design, learning directly from industry professionals about how websites are constructed and optimized.

The LSUA Career Center and the Command Your Career office would like to thank the following local partners for hosting students during Job Shadow Day: Alexandria Family Dental Care, Alexandria Neurological Center, Avant Organics, Baton Rouge Magnet High School, Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, CLECO, Crest Industries, Edgefield Recovery Center, England Authority, the Ninth Judicial District, the Office of Juvenile Justice, Louisiana Autism Center, LSU Health Science – New Orleans, Rapides Regional Medical Center, and Ugly Mug Marketing.

The success of Job Shadowing Day underscores LSUA’s commitment to experiential learning, career readiness, and meaningful community engagement. For more information about LSUA’s Career Center and upcoming events, visit www.lsua.edu/career.