One of the most common reactions from students who spend a day with top administrators through the Student Leadership Job Shadow program is surprise. Whether it’s because they expected the leader’s job to be different, they didn’t expect to be able to share their thoughts in a meeting with top campus officials or they didn’t expect the chancellor to actually have good sleep habits, students who participated in the program this fall reflected on their experience.

Their experiences are presented in their own words, below.

Applications for the Leadership Job Shadow Program are open now through Jan. 14.

Brianna Herren

Undergraduate, communication major
Shadowed Cynthia Carter Ching, interim dean, School of Education

The most surprising thing about my shadow experience was how at ease I felt. Leading up to my shadow date, I had some nervousness and was scared that I would not be prepared enough. But once I met Dean Carter Ching and her executive assistant, Dolores Mejia, I was instantly welcomed. This helped me greatly, as I felt like I belonged and could fully experience everything this job shadowing opportunity had to offer. I was included in various tasks and had the chance to voice my own opinions.

A lesson I took away from my job shadow experience is to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I was hesitant to apply at first because of personal self-doubt, but I am glad I took this opportunity. I learned so much information and I think this experience was immensely valuable towards increasing my confidence in my abilities as a student.

Advice for future student shadows?

The best advice I can offer is to fully take advantage of this life-changing, wonderful experience. This opportunity not only gives you a chance to connect with your campus and an esteemed campus executive, it also allows you to explore career options for your future after UC Davis. Also, take the time to learn about the campus executive you will be shadowing prior to your job shadow date. This will prompt deeper conversations and a better connection. I would also suggest maintaining contact with your executive.

Dillon Hill

Graduate student in business administration

Shadowed Chancellor Gary S. May

One of the most striking aspects of my experience shadowing Chancellor Gary S. May was the extent to which his day was dedicated to active collaboration with various campus representatives. Contrary to my initial expectations of a chancellor’s role as being largely administrative and detached, I witnessed firsthand how he engaged in thoughtful dialogues with students and faculty members.

The segment of the day that left a lasting impression on me was listening to the faculty advisors. As a student, my exposure to faculty perspectives is typically confined to classroom settings. However, this experience unveiled the multifaceted challenges they face in their roles.

My shadowing experience with Chancellor May was a profound lesson in leadership. What stood out was his method of giving equal and gentle attention to everyone he interacted with. This approach created an atmosphere of respect and appreciation, which was palpable among those he met. His ability to maintain focus amidst the chaos and view the broader picture before making decisions was a valuable takeaway. It underscored the essence of effective leadership — the balance between maintaining an overarching vision and attending to individual concerns.

Advice for future student shadows?

To any student considering the Leadership Job Shadow Program, I’d suggest going in with an open mind and a keen sense of observation. While it's practical to bring a notebook for jotting down insights, be prepared to immerse yourself more in observation than in notetaking. This experience is as much about understanding the unspoken aspects of leadership as it is about the explicit actions. So, soak in as much as you can from the experience — it’s a unique opportunity to learn from a vantage point that is rarely accessible to students.

Annabel Marshall

Undergraduate, English major

Shadowed Dana Topousis, chief marketing and communications officer

I was amazed by the wide variety of campus staff I was able to speak to from the marketing and communications department, from speechwriters to executive assistants to video editors. Everyone was lovely and very open to conversation, even about the more difficult aspects of their job. I appreciated how these very busy professionals went out of their way to introduce me to new projects or people based on my interests.

My interests in language and communication influenced my decision to apply to shadow Dana Topousis, chief marketing and communications officer. It was incredible to see how much goes into crafting a public message at such a large-scale institution. Dana spoke very kindly and candidly about her path to her role and her experience with leadership.

Advice for future student shadows?

I would recommend the Leadership Job Shadow Program to every student, regardless of their professional interest. It is a wonderful way to understand what goes on at the administrative level of our university and has opened my eyes to many of the challenges that face the student-faculty-admin and UCD-city of Davis relationships.

Agustina Diener

Undergraduate, biomedical engineering major

Shadowed Pablo Reguerín, vice chancellor for Student Affairs

For me the most surprising part was seeing how many different aspects of student life Pablo manages. We attended meetings in subjects about student organizations, housing, ASUCD and construction on campus, which I never had considered something as relevant to students as I do now.

The most memorable part of the day was attending the meeting with all the vice chancellors and getting to learn about the tasks and goals each of them has.

I learned that the people who are at the table where decisions are being made are really important and that if I want to make a difference, I need to get a seat at the table.

Advice for future student shadows?

I would say to just stop thinking about it and apply. This experience has been much more eye-opening than I ever anticipated.

Andrea Nicolau

Undergraduate, political science-public service major

Shadowed Karl Engelbach, associate chancellor and chief of staff

My morning alongside Karl Engelbach was full of pleasant surprises. As soon as I made it off the elevator to the fifth floor of Mrak Hall, I was greeted politely by Karl and delighted by my surroundings; the nicely decorated and welcoming lobby area, and the view of a beloved UC Davis Water Tower. As an undergraduate 20-year-old student, I did not anticipate the level of consideration and attention I would receive during my interactions with the campus leaders. Karl was especially open to conversation and in answering any questions I had, and I was kindly surprised at his genuine interest in my role as a student and my potential career goals. Participating in meetings in the conference room on the second floor of Mrak Hall alongside 10 campus leaders can certainly be intimidating, and it was. Nevertheless, every person there made my presence known and made efforts to include my voice in conversation, with Gary S. May himself personally encouraging me to share any thoughts I had.

Sitting in and even given the opportunity to speak alongside multiple campus leaders during conference meetings proved to be my most memorable moments. UC Davis’ inner workings are much more complex than I could have ever imagined, and I found myself consistently impressed with the leaders and their efforts in meeting the needs of such a large and diverse community.

If I learned any lesson, it would be to continue to involve myself with all parts of the UC Davis community. Merely having the opportunity to engage with the people who contribute to making this institution and community as special as it is has encouraged me to continue to step out of my comfort zone and engage with my community members.

On a more personal level, Karl provided me with incredibly valuable insight and advice in sharing his experiences throughout his career and current role as Associate Chancellor and Chief of Staff. With extensive experience working in government and a unique perspective, the knowledge he passed on to me will significantly influence and help further my own career in the political science arena, so thank you Karl!

Advice for future student shadows?

Go for it! It's an incredibly valuable opportunity and experience. See it as a chance to engage and connect with an integral part of the UC Davis community that many typically don't have the chance to experience. You will most likely sit alongside the one and only Chancellor May, and learn from some of the most important people leading this institution.

Cecelia Wong

Undergraduate, biomedical engineering major

Shadowed Cory Vu, associate vice chancellor for health, wellness and divisional resources

I was the most surprised to see everything that the UC Davis leadership is working on through all their meetings. Cory Vu showed me a presentation on UC Davis mental health and I was very encouraged to learn about all the mental health resources offered by UC Davis and current efforts to improve counselor to student ratios by university initiatives.

I was also glad to see all the efforts UC Davis is making to move toward equity on our campus. In groups, UC Davis faculty set out to decide on questions they were going to explore throughout the year by gathering and analyzing data about campus resources and programs, planning to eventually find and address inequities amongst students. I was excited to provide some of my input on discrepancies I am able to observe as a student and to thank the leadership for all that they do to support all students in the best way possible.

The most memorable part of my day was getting lunch with Vu. We enjoyed a delicious meal at Tasty Kitchen and were able to talk about a variety of topics, including career goals, family life, and most importantly, our pet dogs! I found Vu’s ability to keep a healthy work-life balance inspiring, and I hope to one day be able to put in energy and time to care for my family while also making a huge impact in my career like Vu does so well.

Advice for future student shadows?

I would definitely encourage interested students to apply for the Leadership Job Shadow Program! Being able to see a day in the life of a campus administrator was an eye-opening experience, and I learned so much about all the different efforts the UC Davis leadership is making to support students’ and improve our experience here on campus. I was also able to meet and connect with so many people that gave me career and life advice, and I had such a fun time getting to know more about them, including Optometrist Melissa Barnett, Medical Director Cindy Schorzman, and AVC Cory Vu himself!

Sergio Maciel

Undergraduate, economics major

Shadowed Chancellor Gary S. May

The most surprising thing I learned during my shadow experience is that despite his super-packed schedule, Chancellor May gets at least six-seven hours of sleep almost every night. If Chancellor May can do that, UC Davis students can too.

The biggest lessons I took away from my shadowing experience were to ensure I have many mentors in the long run, continuously remain committed to my goals and values and always be ready for opportunities, as they often come when least expected.

Advice for future student shadows?

Participating in the Leadership Job Shadow Program gave me a taste of what it is like to be a leader of a top public university that is committed to equity, dedicated to sustainability and devoted to innovation. Upon completing my job shadow session with Chancellor May, I felt even more determined to strive for my highest career aspirations and always to be ready for any opportunities. The Leadership Job Shadow Program is inspiring and rewarding, and I encourage all student leaders who are determined to make a difference in the world to apply to the program.

Applications for the Leadership Job Shadow Program are open now through Jan. 14.