Day of Observation
In the Management Communications class, students do a Day Of Observation: they shadow a person of their choice
for a full work-day. This day gives students the opportunity:
- To observe communication in the business world/work environment, including any barriers which cause problems,
how those problems are solved, and who solves them
- To reinforce the theories and concepts of communication studied in the classroom by relating them to a work
situation
- To practice communication skills
- To increase networking for internships and job opportunities
- To learn more about career options
- To learn more about the "real world"
Before students call the prospective "shadowee," they role-play the phone call with the instructor.
The students also show the clothes they plan to wear to the instructor. After the Day Of Observation, students give
the instructor a copy of the thank-you note or card they sent.
The Day of Observation culminates in a written report of at least 20 pages and a 10 minute presentation, in
professional attire, with PowerPoint and a question and answer session.
Every student calls the Day Of Observation a worthwhile experience with some receiving offers of
internships and summer jobs on that Day.
Students have done their Day Of Observation in such places as Hershey Foods, Hershey Hotel, various restaurants,
a modeling and casting agency, The Longaberger Company, and the Commodities Exchange Wall Street.