Cambria-Rowe students are encouraged to gain a career-related shadowing experience prior to graduation to supplement their classroom training. While a traditional "internship" or "externship" is not part of the student's curriculum, shadowing programs can be valuable to students, as well as to area businesses.

• To gain the temporary assistance of a student worker.
• To serve as mentors to help prepare individuals for the job market.
• Possibly, to "take a look at" a potential employee, prior to hiring

THE BENEFIT TO STUDENTS

• To apply skills learned in the classroom to the real world.
• To obtain professional experience and references prior to graduation.
• Possibly, to obtain employment with the shadowing site after graduation.

Shadowing Experiences
Participation in a shadowing experience is a student's personal choice.  Cambria-Rowe does not set criteria or requirements for the experience. Most businesses find it more efficient to arrange hours and assignments directly with the student.  The following suggestions may be helpful:

Duration of Experience
Students and employers should agree upon the number of hours for the assignment:

• An academic quarter at Cambria-Rowe is approximately 12 weeks.  A commitment of this length is suggested.
• Students may be available Monday through Thursday after 3 p.m. and during the day on Fridays and weekends.
• Students who shadow are full-time students and will need to balance shadowing with their class and study schedule.
   

Timing of Experience
We suggest that students shadow after they have completed half of their degree or diploma program.  This timing offers the following advantages:

• Students have obtained basic computer and communications skills.
• Students have become established academically, prior to volunteering.
   

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of students are available for shadowing experiences?
Availability of students varies throughout the year.  At times no students are available.  Students referred to shadowing positions will have completed at least half of their program, will have obtained a 3.0 GPA, and will have maintained regular class attendance. Students are enrolled in the following programs:

Associate in Specialized Business Degrees (18-months)

• Accounting
• Management
• Business Administration
• Administrative Assistant
• Legal Assistant (Johnstown Only)
• Medical Office Administration

Diploma Programs (9 to 12 months)

• Medical Secretarial
• Accounting
• Secretarial

What can a shadowing student do?
Shadowing students may be assigned some routine office tasks (for example, photocopying).  However, hopefully a portion of the experience will be devoted to learning and experiencing some more responsible tasks.  A brief outline of these could be agreed upon by the student and supervisor prior to the experience.
 
Does Cambria-Rowe monitor and evaluate the student?
No.  A shadowing experience is not part of the student's curriculum and the content of the experience will be agreed upon between the student and the shadowing site.  Cambria-Rowe also does not assume any responsibility for insuring the student.
 

Career Services Office
Students who have obtained a 3.0 GPA and who have maintained regular class attendance can register their interest in a shadowing experience with the Career Services Office.  If you are interested in having a shadowing student, please call the Toll Free # 1-800-NEW-CAREER, the Johnstown office at (814) 536-5168 or the Indiana offfice at (724) 463-0222 and a list of students and a fact sheet on each student will be provided.  You may contact the students directly to arrange an interview.

The Career Services Office is also available to assist with your permanent staffing needs.  We could also assist with
part-time positions if the hours for that position work around our class schedule. When you anticipate a position opening, we can provide:

• Qualified applicants
• Resumes, references and other credentials
• Interviews arranged at your convenience

Classes graduate quarterly in March, May, August, and November.  In addition, the Career Services Office maintains contact with alumni who are seeking career opportunities.  We will make every effort to refer qualified candidates to you for your job openings.