It was students playing the role of the “shadow” Friday as Folsom Lake College (FLC) successfully hosted its inaugural Groundhog Job Shadow Day at the Folsom campus and various companies across the region. The event, aimed at connecting students with professionals across various industries, proved to be a resounding success.
Students embraced the opportunity through the day on Friday to shadow professionals, immersing themselves in the day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and rewards associated with different professions and getting a firsthand glimpse into potential career paths and enriching their understanding of the workforce.
From business and healthcare to technology and the arts, participants gained valuable insights into diverse career possibilities, thanks to the generous participation of professionals representing various industries.
“Groundhog Job Shadow Day is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application,” Folsom Lake College Employer Engagement Specialist Ashley Slovak stated prior to the start of the event. “This unique event aims to connect students with professionals in various industries, offering them a firsthand glimpse into potential career paths and fostering a deeper understanding of the workforce.”
Networking opportunities abounded throughout the day, allowing students to engage with professionals, ask probing questions, and forge meaningful connections that could pave the way for future internships, mentorships, and job opportunities. The enthusiasm and eagerness of both students and professionals to engage in dialogue and share experiences underscored the event’s success in fostering meaningful connections within the community.
A highlight of the event was the engaging panel discussion featuring key college and community speakers, including a welcome message from FLC’s President, Art Pimentel. The panel discussion provided students with invaluable insights into industry trends, essential skills, and potential career paths, further enriching their understanding of the ever-evolving job market.
One of the many professionals that took part in Friday’s event was ERD Healthcare Equipment Repairs and Diagnotistics. With headquarters in Carson City, and a facility in Sacramento, ERD has been in operation for over 12 years and is a source for medical equipment repair service & diagnostics in Nevada, California, and Oregon. The company specialized in operating room equipment and technology, ERD is also available to provide you with on-site biomedical services, medical equipment sales and rentals and on-site supplemental staffing solutions
On Friday, the company hosted students at its Sacramento Facility where they got a birdseye view of the the biomedical industry.
“ERD was proud to take part in Folsom Lake College‘s inaugural Groundhog Job Shadow Day event at our Sacramento facility. Students received a hands-on look at the biomedical engineering industry, learning how the skills they are taught in school can be put into action outside of the classroom,” the company said in a statement.
Overall, Folsom Lake College’s Groundhog Job Shadow Day exceeded expectations, successfully bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application. By providing students with hands-on experiences and fostering connections with professionals, the event aligned seamlessly with FLC’s commitment to offering a holistic educational experience that prepares students for success in their future careers.
As participants departed with newfound insights and inspiration, Folsom Lake College looks forward to building on the success of its inaugural Groundhog Job Shadow Day, with plans to make it an annual tradition that continues to empower and equip students for the ever-changing demands of the workforce.
Folsom Lake College, part of the Los Rios Community College District, is committed to providing accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to the communities it serves. With a focus on student success, Folsom Lake College offers a diverse range of programs and services designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or entry into the workforce.
Photos: ERD
