CDIP Student FAQs
What is Career Discovery In Practice?
Career Discovery In Practice (“CDIP”) is a job shadow lasting one to two days offered by Bates alumni and parent sponsors across the country. It provides students an opportunity to experience first-hand what it is like to work in a particular career. Students spend time observing and often working with employers. Learn how a CDIP can benefit you and your career plans by reading some of the success stories from last year!
Where do I find a list of employers offering CDIPs and how do I apply?
Beginning September 19, 2012, students may apply through JobCat. For a list of organizations offering CDIPs, please click here. You will be asked to upload your resume and a paragraph explaining your interest in a particular job shadow. If you need assistance logging on to JobCat, please call 207-786-6232. If you need assistance preparing a resume, please come to Career Fellow walk-in hours at BCDC Monday – Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m. or at the Ladd Library on Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The application deadline is October 10, 2012 at 11:59 pm. Students from all class years are encouraged to apply. Participation depends on the availability of the host that you select and their ranking of your resume and statement of interest (rankings are determined by whom the sponsor believes to be the best fit for the opportunity). Please refer to the Student Application Instructions for details on how to apply.
Why should I participate in a CDIP?
Job shadows provide an essential opportunity to test drive a career or occupation. It also can help you get a foot in the door in a competitive field.
What do students do during a job shadow?
It depends upon the sponsor and field of work. You may:
- Take a tour
- Conduct informational interviews with people in various specialties and different levels
- Review company literature
- Sit in on meetings
- Assist with tasks
- Ask questions about the field, the organization, training, coursework and career paths
- Assist with actual projects (research, report writing, etc.)
What kind of resume should I submit?
If your resume has not been reviewed by a BCDC staff member or Career Development Fellow, please come to walk-in hours, no appointment needed! Click here for a schedule of hours. You can also schedule an appointment with a counselor by calling 786-6232. If you do not have a resume, download the BCDC Resume Writing Guide to get started.
What is a statement of interest?
A statement of interest is brief—one or two paragraphs—and tells the sponsor why you are interested in the particular CDIP. It is helpful to mention why you are interested in the field, what experience or coursework you have had in the subject area, and how you would benefit from the CDIP. Of course, you should make sure that there are no grammatical or spelling errors in your statement. Click here for a sample statement of interest. Please read the CDIP description carefully. Look closely not only at the specific industry, but at the occupation of the sponsor. Just because a sponsor works for an investment firm, does not mean that the job shadow offered has to do with finance.
How long is a CDIP?
It will last one or two days. Occasionally, a CDIP may be of longer duration at the sponsor’s discretion. CDIPs must be completed between November 19, 2012 – May 24, 2013.
Will housing, transportation or meals be provided?
No. You are responsible for arranging and paying for all of the above. Sometimes sponsors offer to house a student during their CDIP, however, you must be prepared to find your own housing. A limited amount of funding is available to reimburse the travel costs of students who otherwise would not be able to participate. If you are matched to a CDIP, you will receive an application for travel funding with your notification. All applications for travel funding are due November 1st.
How do I apply for reimbursement for travel costs?
Information about applying for this reimbursement will be emailed to students along with their match information on or about October 27, 2012. The deadline to apply for reimbursement funding is November 1, 2012. Any late requests will only be considered if funding is still available.
Will I get paid for doing a CDIP?
No, it is unpaid. There is no academic credit associated with the CDIP.
Can I apply to more than one CDIP?
Yes. You may apply to up to 3 CDIP offerings.
What happens after I apply?
Once you have applied through JobCat, your sponsor will review the applications received and rank them in order of preference. An algorithm will be used to match students with job shadows. If a match is made, we will notify you and provide you with your hosts contact information. It is YOUR responsibility to contact your sponsor by November 16 to set up a date for your CDIP. You are also required to attend an orientation session prior to your CDIP. Multiple orientation sessions will be scheduled November 12th – 16th.
What is the timetable?
- Sept 19: Students may log on to JobCat to view and apply for CDIPs
- Oct 10: Student application deadline
- Oct 27: Students are emailed their matches and information about applying for travel reimbursement funds
- Nov. 1: Deadline to apply for travel reimbursement funds
- Nov 5: Students notified of reimbursement funding decisions
- Nov 7: Students must confirm acceptance of CDIP with BCDC
- Nov 12-16: Mandatory meeting for all other students doing CDIPs
- Nov 16: Deadline for students to make contact with sponsor to arrange for a date for CDIP
- Nov 19-May 24: CDIPs occur
- TBA: CDIP Wrap-up Event
Will the sponsor offer me a job?
Keep in mind that CDIP is not about getting a job or internship out of your experience. It is permissible however to inquire about internship opportunities the organization may offer. If your host asks about your interest and /or inquires about your plans, feel free to share such information.
What happens if I am not matched?
If you are not matched, there are still many opportunities for you to connect with alumni and parents. Join the Online Community to connect with alumni and parents who want to share their career knowledge and expertise. In addition, please visit BCDC for information on student resources, events, and career opportunities.
Questions? Email or call Carol Ellison, Program Coordinator at cellison@bates.edu or 786-6233.
