fbpx Alumni-Student Career Shadowing | Harvard Kennedy School

Alumni: Share your career and engage with current students.


Alumni host students for one day during the January term at their workplaces in different locations around the world. The shadowing experience can last for several hours or a full day, depending on what is most convenient for both individuals. This opportunity to share your career with current HKS students has proven to be very valuable and enjoyable for alumni and students alike. Our 2023 program will take place virtually. 

The HKS Alumni Network: A Bridge from Graduate School to New Careers

A year after he graduated from HKS, Craig Altemose MPP/JD 2010 opened the doors of Better Future Project (BFP) to Cate Fox-Lent MC/MPA 2019 during her winter break as part of the Kennedy School’s annual Career Shadowing Initiative.

Students: Connect with alumni and learn about their careers

Below you will find helpful information and resources for this year's program, which will be conducted virtually.

Learn more and register

Watch this video to learn about the Alumni-Student Career Shadowing Program, a unique opportunity to gain direct access to our alumni and their careers. This year’s program will take place virtually during J-term 2023. 

What is it?

Goal: Participating students will have an opportunity connect virtually with alumni in January 2023, where they can learn about their host’s organization, career, and post-HKS experience.

Dates: Any day between January 3–20, 2023 (J-Term). On occasion, students and alums may schedule activities on other dates.

Activities might include: 

  • observing a virtual staff or client meeting  
  • a one-on-one meeting virtual meeting to learn about your host’s professional journey  
  • a one-on-one virtual meeting to receive career advice, feedback on a resume, and/or suggestions on further resources for career exploration 
  • introductions and/or virtual meetings with colleagues in the same or a different department

Do you have more questions about the Career Shadowing process? Visit our FAQ page.

Organized by Alumni Relations and Resource Development, Office of Career Advancement, and the Kennedy School Student Government.