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It may officially be titled “Alumni Job Shadow Program,” but parents are definitely encouraged to participate. And that’s exactly what Keith Bowen P’19, ’21 did when he invited Fairfield students to Spectrum Reach as part of the University's Job Shadow Program.

Through the Job Shadow program, students accompany industry professionals—usually a Fairfield alumnus, but in this case a parent—and observe firsthand a typical workday. Students are able to delve deeper into their field of interest, receive helpful career advice, and begin planning for life after graduation.

Bowen is the chief revenue officer at Spectrum Reach, a Charter Communications company, and is charged with setting and executing strategy for his 2,000 Spectrum employees. A strong believer that people are what make his company successful, Bowen felt that it was important for Spectrum to get involved with this program.

Felicia Russo, a human resources generalist at Spectrum, whose sister, Jacqueline Russo ’19, attends Fairfield, organized the day and paired six students who were interested in pursuing a career in marketing with six Spectrum marketing professionals. Students were able to communicate individually with their host prior to the shadow day, and all arrived on time and ready to learn from their mentors for the day.

During their Spectrum visit, students—many of whom had several job shadow experiences planned for their winter break— were treated to a “lunch and learn” where Bowen shared his career story, his insights and tips about what makes employees successful, and encouragement about the future.

Keith was so impressed with the Job Shadow Program and the students that he offered to host again next year and beyond. "As a parent of two Fairfield Stags, this experience was just as rewarding for me as I believe it was for the students because I feel it helps me be a better parent.”

For more information about the Job Shadow program, visit fairfield.edu/jobshadow .