The iJOBS Shadowing Experience: Walk a semester in a professional’s shoes
The iJOBS Shadowing Experience: Walk a semester in a professional’s shoes
Susan Engelhardt, Rutgers University
Rutgers University’s iJOBS Program (Interdisciplinary Job Opportunities for Biomedical Scientists), is a multi-phased trainee experience, designed to educate its trainees regarding professional possibilities, perspectives and preparedness. Our presentation will highlight the experiential nature of iJOBS programming, with a focus on Phase 2 shadowing/externship, mentoring and maturation of each trainee’s professional “vision.” The advantages and disadvantages of an externship relative to an internship will be covered from the perspective of the trainee, academic institution, and hosting company. Discussion of professional relationships formed will open to glimpses of trainee shadowing activities and resulting key learnings, viewed against a backdrop of employment candidacy requirements. Program logistics will be shared to serve as benchmarks for partner university program development and lead the way to expanded BEST programming.
