Shadow a C-suite Executive

Shadow a C-Suite Series

Program Overview

“Shadow a C-Suite Series” is a new Experiential Learning initiative connecting Smith students with senior executives, including CEOs, CFOs, CMOs, CTOs, and other C-suite leaders, for real-world exposure to executive leadership.

Over the course of a full-day experience, students will observe high-level decision-making and engage directly with executives to better understand leadership in practice.

Program Goals

Provide direct access to executive leadership environments
Bridge classroom learning with real-world business decision-making
Strengthen Smith’s position as a leader in experiential business learning
Build meaningful relationships between students and industry leaders

Participating Executives

We will partner with senior leaders from companies that:

Have 50+ employees
Represent diverse industries (consulting, finance, tech, healthcare, nonprofit, etc.)
Are committed to mentorship
Are located within the Washington Metro or Baltimore regional transit systems to ensure student accessibility

Sourcing Executives:

Alumni network outreach
Corporate partners and recruiters already engaged with OEL
Faculty and advisory board referrals
Targeted outreach to regional leaders across the DMV business ecosystem

Application Process

Eligible Students:

Primary: Sophomores and Juniors
Select Seniors may be considered based on availability and fit

Student application will include:

Resume submission
Short-answer responses on leadership interests and goals
Faculty rec form and signature

C-Suite Preference Section:

Select a first-choice and second-choice C-suite role to shadow (e.g., CEO, CFO, CMO, CTO)
Provide a brief explanation of their interest in each selection and what they hope to learn

Applications are reviewed with emphasis on:

Professionalism and communication skills
Clarity of interest in executive leadership
Readiness to represent the Smith School in a professional setting

Program Timeline

August → Sourcing executives
Early September → Release rolling application and marketing materials, announcements in Management classes
September → Application review
September 30 → Pre-program prep sessions
October 1 - October 15 → Students matched with executives and shadow dates scheduled (Fall Break: Oct. 12-13)
October 15 – November 15 → Window for shadow days
Late November → Reflection submissions & program evaluation

Logistics & Support

Transportation is fully coordinated and covered by the Smith School
Students receive a pre-program one-pager on professionalism and expectations
Executives are provided with a simple structure and support materials