The job of being a dean involves more than just sitting behind a desk. That’s what one student discovered last fall when she spent a day with College of Engineering Dean Richard Corsi as part of the Leadership Job Shadow Program.

“I initially thought the life of a dean would be enclosed in an office space giving out assignments and doing paperwork,” wrote Julia Sutedjo, a second-year biomedical engineering major. “However, he told me he loved to walk around our beautiful campus wherever he could. Sure enough, he brought me along in one of his walks. Along the way, he continued to welcome and greet campus community members while introducing me to them.”

Applications for the Leadership Job Shadow Program are open now through April 12.

She said Corsi joked that she had picked an “easy” day in his schedule, but it still seemed to her like a very full day.

She reflected on her experience in a blog post on the College of Engineering website.

Other program participants shared thoughts about their experiences:

Jamie Diep

Undergraduate, managerial economics major
Shadowed Clare Shinnerl, vice chancellor, Finance, Operations and Administration

“I think it showed me that leadership is always important, no matter what industry you are in. It is also so important to be able to communicate to those that you are working with. However, it is more important to be able to make those around comfortable, so that you can all speak openly with each other and work well. I think Clare did a great job breaking the ice and allowed everyone to become less tense.”

Pat Fang

Undergraduate, biological sciences major
Shadowed Michael Bradford, vice provost and dean for Undergraduate Education

“People in Undergraduate Education (UE) are simply amazing and every one of them is friendly and easygoing! To be honest, I don't really know how UE functioned at first. But as soon as Dean Bradford took me to different units, staff members greeted me and introduced me to the work that they're doing. They are super energetic and informative.”

Advice for future student shadows?

“If you are reading/seeing this post, don't hesitate and please apply!! I had no idea whether I would get selected or matched with such an amazing leader at the time I was applying. Participating in the Leadership Job Shadow Program is simply something that you'll never regret.”

Maanvee Mehrotra 

Graduate student, business analytics
Shadowed Jean-Pierre Delplanque, vice provost and dean, Graduate Studies

“I believe I gained valuable insights into leadership by participating in all the senior administrative meetings. These experiences provided me with a wealth of knowledge. Additionally, I had the opportunity to witness the importance of empathy, adaptability, and resilience in leadership roles.”

Advice for future student shadows?

“My advice for students considering the Leadership Job Shadow Program: Be proactive in exploring different roles and industries, set clear goals, stay engaged, network and reflect on your experiences for personal and professional growth.”

Applications for the Leadership Job Shadow Program are open now through April 12.