Since 2009, the Tennessee Apprentice Program has been working to introduce undergraduate students to alumni in their respective fields. Established through the Office of Alumni Affairs, the program is designed to support and motivate students, especially during the crucial transition from college to a career.
The program's self-proclaimed mission is "to serve students and alumni of the institution's flagship campus through mentoring partnerships."
It achieves this goal by giving students an opportunity to preview what life is like in their prospective line of work.
Patrick Wade, director of alumni programs at UT, explained how the program works.
"The program is a job-shadowing opportunity that connects alumni with students who wish to learn more about a specific career field," Wade said. "The Tennessee Apprentice Program enables students to shadow alumni for one day in Knoxville, in their hometowns or in another city of their choice during the months of March and April."
Undergraduate students are paired with alumni who know their particular field well, have experienced the same coursework and who genuinely want them to succeed.
"An apprenticeship allows students to explore potential future careers and connect with alumni who have been in your shoes and want to help guide you in the right direction," Wade said.
Mike Keith, alumni mentor, sees the program as a way to give back to the university and help encourage future students in his career field.
"My career was enhanced dramatically by Tennessee grads who chose to give me their time, their attention and their advice," Keith said. "Fellow Vols made the difference for me at key moments. Through the Tennessee Apprentice Program, I hope that I can do the same thing for this next generation."
Each student apprentice spends a full, mutually agreed-upon day following his or her alumni mentor through a normal day of their career. Throughout the day, mentors are encouraged to give their student a taste of daily life and introduce them to some of the responsibilities their jobs entail. Many of the participants are given various demonstrations, and some even receive hands-on training.
Regardless of whether the student is fully committed to his or her career or still on the fence, Wade assures that the Tennessee Apprentice Program is an invaluable experience.
"Students may find that a prospective field is just what they had always hoped it would be, or they may find that a field of interest is much different than expected," he said. "Interested students have nothing to lose and a lot to gain by signing up for the program."
As far as eligibility goes, the Tennessee Apprentice Program is for any undergraduate student at UT who is interested in an opportunity to experience his or her career field of interest firsthand. Former applicants and participants in the program are also welcome to apply.
While the dates vary from year to year, applications for students wishing to participate in the 2011 Tennessee Apprentice Program are currently available, and all submissions must be made before Jan. 21, 2011.
For more information on how to apply for a student or alumni position in the program, visit alumni.utk.edu/apprentice.