SHADOWING SUCCESS: STUDENTS EXPLORE POTENTIAL PATHS
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Written by: Maura Keller
By spending time with professionals in the workplace, students can observe daily tasks, learn about job responsibilities, and see how classroom lessons apply in real- life settings " " PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS
Providing realistic career insights, facilitating the development of essential skills, and enabling valuable networking opportunities, is often paramount to a student’s success. The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce recently launched its Student Job Shadow program, connecting high school students with careers through a hands-on approach. Job shadowing is often seen as a “peek behind the curtain," offering students the chance to experience the day-to-day realities of a particular profession. These insights simply can’t be gleaned from classroom learning alone. “By spending time with professionals in the workplace, students can observe daily tasks, learn about job responsibilities, and see how classroom lessons apply in real-life settings,” says Claire Henneman, Workforce Initiatives and RYT Network Director at the Chamber. “Not only does the experience help students make decisions on their future career paths, but it also helps them develop essential skills like communication, professionalism, and time management.” The Chamber has built on its career pathway programming in recent years, seeing continued growth in the STEAM Summit, both in the number of exhibitors and in student participation. The event plays a vital role in raising awareness among students about the wide range of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math careers available right here in the Rochester region, helping them see future opportunities close to home. Alongside STEAM Summit, initiatives such as the RYT Network, which connects and develops young professionals, and the Educator Industry Experience, which gives teachers firsthand exposure to local industries and the skills employers are seeking, all contribute to building a stronger, more informed talent pipeline for the region.
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 11
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