FSU Shadow helps students turn opportunities into connections
By Melany Rodriguez
My high school English teacher once said to me, “College is your opportunity to try on as many different hats as you want to. Even if you go in knowing what career you want to pursue, learn about every field that interests you, even if it doesn’t lead to more.”
From the start of my time in college at Florida State University, I have taken this advice to heart and made it my mission to join every club that piques my interests, apply for every role that aligns with my aspirations, and attend every networking event and career fair to broaden my horizons.
If there were ever a professional event or opportunity that could lead me to greater career possibilities, there was no doubt I would be there.
Therefore, the day I came across an email from FSU's Career Center promoting the FSU Shadow Program in the spring of my first year, I was more than excited to apply.
FSU Shadow is a professional development opportunity that connects students with alumni, employers, and the broader community for one-day learning experiences during the fall, spring, and summer breaks. By observing professionals in their fields of interest, the program lets students “test drive” careers they may not have considered otherwise while building their professional networks beyond campus.
This year marks the program’s 10th anniversary of giving students opportunities to explore different industries while gaining insight into their futures. The deadline to apply for the Dec. 14, 2026, session is Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 11:59 p.m.
After I submitted my resume and primary information the first time, I applied to several of the opportunities listed on the program’s website. The opportunity that excited me most, however, was shadowing FSU English alumnus Jeremy Willis, who is now a Senior Editor at ESPN.
I grew up as an enthusiastic fan of basketball, and my dream to cover sports from the sidelines became more of a reality as I pushed myself to explore the field of sports media and journalism. As soon as I accepted my spot in the program, I knew I had to make the most of the experience with Jeremy. I wanted to gain a better understanding of the behind-the-scenes work that supports the many areas of ESPN.
I have participated twice in shadowing sessions with him, and I can confidently say that the experience has helped me see my career aspirations in a new light.
When I participated in FSU Shadow as a first-year student, I was excited but also a little nervous about the experience I would bring to the session. I was not yet involved in many of the campus organizations and professional opportunities that I am part of today.
With so little experience under my belt, I worried that speaking with industry professionals would make me realize I was not as prepared for a career in sports media as I had hoped.
Thankfully, though, the experience did quite the opposite.
From my first conversation with Jeremy and the other professionals who joined his sessions, I began to understand just how many opportunities were available to students like me. I heard from people working in different areas of ESPN who showed me that the industry extends far beyond the journalists and broadcasters we typically see on our screens. From digital media production and sports writing to technical production and other corporate roles, ESPN staff contribute countless ways to the company.
“I have always tried to make my sessions with FSU Shadow to be a broad survey of what is available at ESPN,” says Jeremy, who graduated from FSU in 2004 with degrees in English and sports management.
With 20-plus years’ experience in the industry, he understands the importance of helping students discover those possibilities. Jeremy became involved with FSU Shadow following the pandemic to reconnect with his alma mater. He has mentored students and shared his professional experiences in several sessions over the past several years, giving back to the university that helped shape his own career.
Rather than limiting the experience to his personal career path, Jeremy brings professionals with different backgrounds and expertise to help students understand the range of opportunities available.
That perspective was one of the most valuable takeaways for me. I entered the program worried that my lack of experience would hold me back, but instead, I left with a better understanding of how I could gain that experience in the future.
After my first shadowing round with Jeremy, I knew I wanted to participate again the following spring. Joining that session allowed me to build on what I had previously discovered and gave me an even clearer picture of how I could turn my interests into a career.
I am a dual-major student in English-Editing, Writing, and Media and in communication. I want to combine skills I gain from both degrees to pursue opportunities in sports media. I had already begun exploring these interests through my coursework and campus involvement, but hearing directly from ESPN professionals helped me envision my future in the industry.
For the first time, a career at ESPN felt like something I could realistically work toward rather than simply admire from a distance.
The FSU Shadow experience also showed me the value in connecting with FSU’s alumni network. Hearing about former participants who pursued opportunities at ESPN and eventually returned to help lead sessions as interns made me realize that I could one day be in their position, sharing my own experiences with future students.
I know that the connections we make as college students can extend well beyond graduation and even support us through our job search in the corporate world.
Jeremy encourages students to use the shadow program as a starting point for building those relationships. He hopes participants will “grow your network, create a connection with alumni or the people that you meet in the session,” and continue those conversations after the experience ends.
My experiences with FSU Shadow have shown me that the program can benefit students regardless of where they are in their college careers. Whether you are just beginning to explore potential career paths, a sophomore or junior preparing for internships, or a senior figuring out your next step, you will gain valuable insights in your field of interest.
Participants do not need extensive previous experience or a perfectly structured career plan to apply. In fact, asking questions to learn what a job entails is encouraged and can help you determine whether a particular field is right for you. Jeremy understands that students may be unsure about a career path, but he encourages them to sign up for a session.
“You never know what you might learn or what might pique your interest about a career path that you’re considering,” he says.
As FSU Shadow celebrates its 10th anniversary, the relationship created between alumni and current students remains one of the program’s greatest strengths. Jeremy describes his role as “fostering the community that we want to see as part of FSU.” By sharing his time and experiences, he is helping students navigate the transition from college to their professional lives, while also encouraging them to do the same for future generations.
I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from professionals whose careers reflect the possibilities I will pursue when I graduate from FSU. More importantly, I have learned that figuring out your future does not mean having every step planned right now. Mostly, you should ask questions, explore unfamiliar options, and make connections that will help you during the process.
As one of many valuable resources available to students that can make a lasting difference in our career paths long after graduation, I recommend taking advantage of FSU Shadow.
Applications for the upcoming Dec. 14 session close Nov. 4 at midnight. Students can visit the Career Center’s FSU Shadow page to apply and explore future opportunities.
Melany Rodriguez is a dual major in English-Editing, Writing, and Media and in communication.
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