Building the Future of HR Through Real-World Experience
July 28, 2026
SHRM-Atlanta
Every HR professional remembers the person who opened a door for them. A conversation, a mentor, or a chance to see the profession up close can shape an entire career. That's exactly why SHRM-Atlanta created the Job Shadow Program.
The idea began with one simple request. A SHRM-Atlanta SOAHR intern asked if they could shadow an HR professional. After coordinating the experience, the Student Member Relations Committee saw firsthand the impact that even a single afternoon of career exposure could have. Encouraged by feedback from students, faculty, and HR professionals, the committee developed what is now the SHRM-Atlanta Job Shadow Program.
What Is the Job Shadow Program?
The SHRM-Atlanta Job Shadow Program was created with one purpose in mind: to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.
Designed for SHRM-Atlanta student members and aspiring HR professionals, the program pairs students with experienced HR practitioners for a behind-the-scenes look at the profession. Through a half-day or full-day shadowing experience, students gain firsthand exposure to the day-to-day realities of Human Resources, explore different career paths, ask questions, and build meaningful connections with professionals who have walked the path before them.
For our hosts, the program is an opportunity to do more than simply open their office doors. It's a chance to mentor emerging talent, share lessons learned throughout their careers, and invest in the future of the HR profession. Whether discussing organizational culture, sitting in on meetings, or offering career advice over lunch, every experience is unique and leaves a lasting impression.
The commitment is intentionally flexible, typically requiring just three to six hours of a host's time, but the impact extends far beyond a single day.
At its core, the SHRM-Atlanta Job Shadow Program is about creating meaningful connections. Students leave with greater confidence, practical insight, and an expanded professional network, while hosts gain the rewarding experience of helping shape the next generation of HR leaders. Together, we're building a stronger HR community, one conversation, one connection, and one job shadow at a time.
Hear from Our Hosts & Students
Testimonial #1
"Mentoring a rising KSU senior through the SHRM-Atlanta Job Shadow Program became one of the unexpected highlights of my summer. I expected to teach, but I also gained a fresh appreciation for how the next generation thinks about work and opportunity. If you're an HR professional looking for a meaningful way to give back while growing yourself, this program is absolutely worth your time." - Stephanie Cantillo, VP of Human Resources, National Association of Chronic Disease Directors
Testimonial #2
“Aarna and I had our Job Shadow Day today, and we had the best time!.To begin our day, we met up at the Home Depot Support Center and joined our host, Heather Hurley, who is a former colleague of mine, on a tour and a deeper dive into the corporate environment. We went over culture, values, tasks, responsibilities, and an overview of the business. It was a day filled with new scenery, people, adventures, education, and fun! I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to connecting with Aarna again soon.“ - Hannah Marie Reed, SHRM-CP - Job Shadow Host
Testimonial #3
“Thank you so much for making this opportunity possible. I had an amazing experience during the Job Shadow Program. I’m especially grateful to Hannah for taking the time to mentor me and showing me what a day in a corporate environment looks like. I learned so much from everyone I met and truly appreciated all of the advice and support. Thank you again for all of your hard work in coordinating this program. It was a wonderful experience, and I’m very grateful to have been a part of it.” - Aarna Arora, Job Shadow Participant
Testimonial #4
“Participating in the Job Shadowing Program provided me with valuable insight into the HR/HR-adjacent profession and expanded my professional network. I gained a better understanding of the importance of strategic HR/HR-adjacent practices, relationship-building, and how HR/HR-adjacent professionals contribute to organizational success. Most importantly, this experience provided the professional connections and encouragement I had hoped to receive, while reaffirming the value of having professionals who are willing to invest in the growth and development of others.” - Kenya Asbill, Job Shadow Participant
Why Participate?
For HR Professionals
- Give back to the profession
- Develop coaching and mentoring skills
- Showcase your organization's culture
- Build your professional network
- Help prepare the next generation of HR leaders
For Students
- Experience HR beyond the classroom
- Explore career paths
- Build professional relationships
- Gain confidence before entering the workforce
- Learn from experienced HR leaders
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're an HR professional looking to inspire the next generation or a student eager to experience HR in action, the SHRM-Atlanta Job Shadow Program is designed to create meaningful connections that last far beyond a single day.
Next Cohort
Orientation: Fall 2026
Registration Deadline: Fall 2026
Program Dates: Fall 2026
Interested in this program? Email programs@shrmatlanta.org
