DiscoverWork Program

DiscoverWork connects you with alumni, friends or employer partners of Hope College who share their career experiences, lessons learned and professional tips for landing a job or internship in their industries.

1. These short-term, unpaid opportunities typically last 1–2 days, but may last longer. 
2. Mentors are flexible and will work with students to build a shadowing schedule that fits around their classes.
3. These opportunities take place across the United States and are offered every spring, from February to May. 

Please contact discoverwork@hope.edu for important dates and timelines. The DiscoverWork program is not for academic credit and students are not compensated.

Program Timeline

1. Student Application Opens in Early January: Students apply through The Hope College Connection.
   
   
2. Students and Hosts are Matched: Matches are confirmed, and students and hosts receive an email with details and next steps.
   
   
3. Students and Hosts Connect: Hosts and students work together to determine the best time for the visit, based on their mutual availability.
   
   
4. Experience: Shadowing or mentoring takes place between late February and May.
   
5. Reflection & Feedback: Participants share reflections and feedback in written or video form to help improve the program.

Student Selection

Although DiscoverWork opportunities are not guaranteed, we encourage all Hope College students to apply. We recommend that you apply for more than one opportunity; however, you must only apply for opportunities that you are willing and able to complete. By applying, you are committing to participating in that particular opportunity if you are matched with the host. Withdrawing from the program after you’ve been matched is strongly discouraged.

Previous experience is not required to participate because this program is designed for career exploration. If you are not placed the first time around, please be sure to apply for future opportunities.

For more information, please check out our DiscoverWork Student Guide.

Mentor Industries

• Healthcare
• Therapy
• Social Work
• Communications
• Marketing
• Research
• Government
• Law
• Non-Profit
• Education
• Computer Information & Technology
• Business
• Finance
• Engineering

Shadowing Activities

• Attend company staff meetings
• Assist with projects or complete office tasks
• Conduct informational interviews with staff members
• Observe client interactions and the functions and duties of a particular career
• Tour the facilities
• Review the organization’s mission/vision statement and organizational charts
• Understand office policies and procedures
• Review current trends in the profession
• Explore potential career paths within the organization and the profession
• Meet with key players of the organization

APPLICATION PROCESS

How to Register for DiscoverWork

Follow these simple steps:

• Visit Hope College Connection
• If you haven’t set up your Hope College Connection profile, you will need to create a new account by logging in with your current Hope username and password
• Once you get to your profile page, click on the DiscoverWork tab located on the blue navigation bar
• Then click the “Join” button to complete the DiscoverWork application
• After submitting your application, review the list of participating mentors and select up to three professionals you would like to potentially job shadow

Once your application is submitted and you have selected your mentors to shadow, you’re all set.

Applicants will be notified by email whether they have been accepted into the program. Additional details about a mandatory meeting will be shared at that time.

Transportation, Housing and Financial Considerations

Students assume all costs for program participation, including transportation to and from the DiscoverWork site, accommodations, and meals. However, scholarships may be available to assist with program costs. Please take all this into consideration when applying for specific opportunities. We do not recommend that students stay with mentors in their home.