Leadership Job Shadow: Students Gain Insight, Career Advice
Students who participate in UC Davis’ Leadership Job Shadow Program come away from their days with more than meeting notes.
“I realized that careers are often shaped by one's curiosity and intention to genuinely help others,” said Iteoluwa Tutu Aladesanmi, an undergraduate who spent a day with Chancellor Gary S. May. “My shadowing experience taught me that the habits that I build right now in college will directly translate into my future career pathway.”
In the program, students are paired with deans, vice chancellors and other campus leaders. They accompany them to meetings, see behind the scenes of their daily work and get to ask questions about everything from their backgrounds to any career advice they may have.
“The one lesson I learned from this experience was that I should be open to new experiences,” said undergraduate Catalina Dias, who shadowed Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Dana Topousis. “I’m a person who always follows a set plan, and I learned that I shouldn't close myself off to new experiences just because they're not on the plan for me.”
Here are what other students said about the Leadership Job Shadow Program:
What was the most surprising part of the day?
Sarvesh Halbe
Graduate student in computer science
Shadowed William Garrity, university librarian and vice provost of digital scholarship
“One of the most surprising aspects of my shadow experience was realizing how pivotal the library is to the UC Davis ecosystem. I hadn’t expected it to have such a broad influence across academic, administrative, and student-facing initiatives. It was also impressive to see how much thought, organization, and seriousness goes into the library’s operations and decision-making, reflecting its significant role in shaping campus-wide priorities.”
Marisol Ortiz-Lopez
Undergraduate managerial economics major
Shadowed Rao Unnava, dean of the Graduate School of Management
“Getting the opportunity to learn how UC Davis develops new major for both undergraduate and graduate students, was surprising to me. Before job shadowing Dean Unnava, I assumed that deans mainly focused on computer-based work, and spent most of their day in meetings and work collaborations, instead of spending time on limited interactions or one-on-one reports throughout the day. On the contrary, I learned that their role involves so much more collaboration, decision-making, and key communication. In addition, it was awesome to have the opportunity to shadow a wonderful and inspiring dean.”
What advice do you have for future shadow students?
Audrey Tang
Undergraduate sociology major
Shadowed Renetta Tull, vice chancellor of Inclusive Excellence
“Just do it! It might seem a little daunting to shadow someone who is very high up at UC Davis, but these leaders are in this program with the intention to help students. The leaders in these UC Davis organizations are here to provide advice and foster students who are interested in gaining more knowledge about future careers. This program provided me with beneficial advice and support from one of the top leaders at UC Davis, which I think every student should take advantage of this program!”
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Yi Luo
Graduate student studying transportation technology and policy
Shadowed Jean-Pierre Delplanque, vice provost and dean, Graduate Studies
Having lunch and chatting with Dean JP, where he shared meaningful life experiences and work advice. I learned how an engineering way of thinking focuses on clearly understanding problems, using critical thinking, and finding practical solutions that apply beyond technical work.
Sofia Niemczycki
Undergraduate communication major
Shadowed Rachel Teagle, director of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art
“My most memorable part of the day was getting to participate in multiple meetings with Rachel Teagle, and being an active participant/conversationalist in one of the meetings. It was cool to engage with all the logistics.”
What was the biggest lesson you learned?
Iteoluwa Tutu Aladesanmi
Undergraduate
Shadowed Chancellor Gary S. May
“One of the biggest lessons I learnt from this shadowing experience is that there is no single right path to leadership or a successful career. Seeing Chancellor May and how he interacts with different community leaders, I realized that careers are often shaped by one's curiosity and intention to genuinely help others. Learning from his journey, I see that showing up, listening more than speaking and leading with purpose are all attributes of a great leader. My shadowing experience taught me that the habits that I build right now in college will directly translate into my future career pathway.”
Isaac Na
Undergraduate student studying psychology and comparative literature
Shadowed Michael Sweeney, Chief Campus Counsel
“To keep being direct, and to ensure that I stay focused on my goals and create connections to help form a network early in my college career.”
Catalina Dias
Undergraduate
Shadowed Dana Topousis, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
“The one lesson I learned from this experience was that I should be open to new experiences. I'm a person who always follows a set plan, and I learned that I shouldn't close myself off to new experiences just because they're not on the plan for me. I learned that I should try new things and learn as much as I can as a young professional, which was very impactful for me as someone who will be graduating soon.”