MELVILLE, N.Y. – Working to help empower the next generation of professionals, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, hosted 26 undergraduate Stony Brook University students who are part of the Stony Brook Diversity Professional Leadership Network program (DPLN) on November 20.

The event – dubbed Job Shadow Day – entailed DPLN students being briefed by members of Canon’s human resources department before participating in team-building activities and roundtables focused on networking. Participants were able to receive advice on resume writing, filling out job applications, navigating the interviewing process and participating in career fairs, among other skills.

The day also included a tour of Canon U.S.A.’s creative studio and showroom, followed by breakout sessions where the students spent one-on-one time with designated mentors. Canon employees went through the day-to-day operations of their department and helped provide a general understanding of the corporate workplace and company culture.

“The advice I received today was nothing short of inspiring and admirable,” said Tiffany Cammuk, a senior business management and communications major. “I plan on taking every piece of advice and applying it going forward as I continue to navigate my own personal and professional journey.”

To conclude the session, Canon held a panel on current topics prevalent in the marketing, public relations and social media sector in giving the students an overview of the organization’s communications component.

“We are very pleased to provide the students in the DPLN program a chance to meet with their mentors face-to-face and participate in workshops that can help them on the path to rewarding careers,” said Jami Schultz, senior director, corporate human resources at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Our dedicated staff is invested in the students’ success and are happy to provide a first-hand look on what a typical day looks like in a professional setting.”

Stony Brook University developed the DPLN program in 2007 as a response to diversity recruitment requests from employers. The students are assigned a professional mentor from a participating host company and attend weekly professional development workshops, networking events, or employer-hosted events. More than 480 students have completed the program since its inception.

“The Canon Job Shadow Day was an excellent way to implement the skills I’ve acquired through meetings with my mentor such as confidently speaking to my professional experience and connecting with people across divisions, because you never know what doors may open,” said Caden Deshommes, a junior creative writing major.