Brandon Myers ’14 takes a seat at the Eyewitness News desk while participating in the Career Shadowing Program. Myers shadowed Jesuit alum Dominic Massa ’94, an executive producer at WWL-TV.

Growing up, senior Brandon Myers’ dream has always been to work in television, preferably as a sportscaster. With a little help from Jesuit’s Career Shadowing program and an accommodating alum, Myers got a taste of the newsroom and what a career in communications would be like. Not long after turning in his final exam, Myers shadowed Dominic Massa ’94, an executive producer at WWL-TV.

“My experience was great,” Myers said. “Mr. Massa was a true professional and the staff at WWL was phenomenal. He showed me all aspects of the TV broadcast and I met every professional in each field, too. I got to see how a broadcast was developed and watched the broadcast live.”

Upon crossing the stage next week at graduation, Myers is headed to Spring Hill College and plans to major in Communication Arts. But before his move to Mobile, Myers chose to participate in the Jesuit Career Shadowing Program. The voluntary program is coordinated by the Guidance Department and allows graduating seniors to spend time visiting with, and touring the workplace of, a professional in the career of their interest.

“My shadowing experience showed me that I have to work hard and be committed to be successful in the communications field,” Myers said. “Now I feel that am I ready for whatever challenges await me.”

But it wasn’t just an eye-opening experience for Myers. Massa feels serving as the host is a way to grow and learn as well.

“It is a pleasure to take part in Jesuit’s job shadowing program since it benefits not only the students, but also the professionals involved,” said Massa. “In the case of Brandon Myers… his questions about the journalism field and its ever-changing landscape gave me new perspective. As someone who knew at an early age that I wanted to enter my chosen field, I am always pleased to take part in a program that gives students such valuable hands-on exposure early in their careers.”

The Jesuit Career Shadowing program began in 2005, led by guidance counselor Ms. Aurora Daigle. Daigle noticed seniors had some down time between final exams and graduation and thought students might be interested in exploring the career they planned to study in college. She hoped to give graduating Blue Jays an opportunity to solidify their career choice, or answer any questions they have about their chosen field before heading off to college.

Most of the professionals who choose to participate in the program are also Jesuit alumni, living the Jesuit motto of “Men for Others” as they help guide young Blue Jays along the path to their future careers.

Alumni interested in serving as a host can contact Alumni Director Mat Grau ’68, or guidance counselor Aurora Daigle.