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Getting students out of the classroom and into real-world environments is a key focus at Hamilton High School—and Job Shadow Day is one of the most important ways that happens.

As part of this required experience, all 9th and 10th grade students spent Thursday, January 29 exploring careers, workplaces, and industries that align with their interests and future goals. Students were given two options:

• Arrange their own job shadow with a business or professional of their choosing, or

• Participate in district-provided job shadows and tours, designed to expose students to high-demand career fields across West Michigan.

District-Provided Career Experiences

Through district-organized opportunities, students were able to visit and tour a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, public safety, and technology. These experiences included stops at Holland Equipment Services, Woodward, Big Dutchman, Perrigo, Allegan County Central Dispatch, Allegan County Jail, and the healthcare showcase at Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital.

At Holland Equipment Services, students heard directly from owner Aaron Geurink, a Hamilton High School graduate, who emphasized the importance of hands-on learning, strong work ethic, and finding a career you genuinely enjoy. Students toured the facility, learned about skilled trades, and gained insight into what today’s workforce truly needs.

Student-Chosen Job Shadows: Exploring Personal Interests

Many students took the initiative to set up their own job shadow placements, resulting in an incredibly diverse range of experiences. From meteorology to finance, engineering to animal care, students were able to see firsthand what a “day in the life” looks like in careers they are curious about.

Some highlights included:

• A student visiting the National Weather Service, learning how meteorologists help keep communities safe

• Another student attending a Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce meeting and touring corporate offices with business leaders

• Students gaining experience in manufacturing and automation at Trans-Matic, Shoreline Manufacturing, and Grand Valley Automation

• Hands-on learning in robotics, HVAC, and electrical engineering with Hoekstra Electric and Quality Machine & Automation

• Career exploration in law enforcement with the Douglas Police Department

• Students exploring healthcare, fitness, animal grooming, marine services, insurance, audio/visual technology, and banking across West Michigan

Across submissions from students, a common theme stood out: students valued hands-on experience, learning directly from professionals, and seeing how classroom skills connect to real careers. Many shared that the experience helped them better understand what they might want to pursue—or, just as importantly, what they may not.

Preparing Students for What’s Next

Job Shadow Day reflects Hamilton Community Schools’ commitment to career exploration, workforce readiness, and helping students make informed decisions about their futures. Whether students pursue college, skilled trades, military service, or enter the workforce directly after graduation, these experiences help them build awareness, confidence, and connections.

We are grateful to the many businesses, organizations, and professionals who opened their doors, shared their expertise, and invested time in our students. Partnerships like these play a critical role in preparing students not just for graduation—but for life beyond Hamilton High School.