A lot happens behind the scenes to keep UC Davis operating, and students are getting a first-hand look at that work through the Leadership Job Shadow Program.

“I found it absolutely fascinating to get a glimpse of the executives' day-to-day responsibilities and the unique (and unexpected) challenges these leaders face,” said Hailey Bello, a managerial economics major who spent a day this fall shadowing Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Dana Topousis. “To me, the shadow program not only provided a much better understanding of the fields I am interested in but also fueled my curiosity.”

Applications for the Leadership Job Shadow Program are open now through Jan. 13.

Another student, Christian Caceres, reflected on his time shadowing Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Michael Bradford.

“After spending the day together, I began to understand how roles like his impact the operation of UC Davis and how those units support students in many different ways,” Caceres said.

Read more about his experience on the Office of Undergraduate Education website.

Other participants shared their thoughts on the Leadership Job Shadow Program:

Shayna Schreiber

Undergraduate communications major
Shadowed Shaun Keister, vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations 

“I was surprised by how long a fundraising campaign can last. In a field like Development and Alumni Relations, time is always of the essence. I assumed that most campaigns lasted 2-3 years; however, I learned they are often an 8-9 year process. Getting to learn about the scope of campaign planning and how all the different teams work together was very interesting. It gave me a better insight into this field and what I may be expected to do in my future career.” 

Steven Hartman

Undergraduate aerospace and mechanical engineering major
Shadowed Chancellor Gary S. May 

“The biggest lesson was that one person cannot do everything within an organization. I was able to see how true that statement is, and the importance of working as a team to achieve a common goal.”

Marisol Ibarra

Graduate student in business administration
Shadowed Michael Sweeney, chief campus counsel

“As a first-generation student myself, I would strongly encourage others to participate in the Leadership Job Shadow Program. Programs like this provide an invaluable window into career paths we may not have been exposed to before. Many of us didn’t grow up seeing roles like general counsel, directors, or senior executives in our daily lives, so it’s essential to have opportunities that broaden our understanding of what’s possible.

“My experience shadowing a leader showed me not only the specifics of a unique role but also the range of skills and qualities that contribute to effective leadership. This program allows you to see firsthand how professionals navigate complex challenges, which can inspire and inform your own career choices. For any student considering this program, I’d say go in with an open mind, ask questions, and be ready to take away lessons that could shape your own path in unexpected ways.”

Hailey Bello

Undergraduate, managerial economics major
Shadowed Dana Topousis, chief marketing and communications officer

“The most unexpected aspect of my shadow experience was having the opportunity to attend high-level meetings with esteemed leaders, such as Gary May, the Chancellor of the University. I found it absolutely fascinating to get a glimpse of the executives' day-to-day responsibilities and the unique (and unexpected) challenges these leaders face.”

Christian Velasquez Caceres

Undergraduate psychology major
Shadowed Michael Bradford, vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Education

“There is so much I could add here but I think something that I will take away is the value of reaching out. Specifically in career advice, there are so many people out there who are willing to help and share their experience to get to where they are or even provide you with advice on how to reach your goals.”

Applications for the Leadership Job Shadow Program are open now through Jan. 13.