Take a Knight to Work FAQs

What is Take a Knight to Work? 

Some of the most influential experiences for our Arcadia students and alumni are when they have the opportunity to connect and engage with one another. This program allows current students to virtually connect and visit with alumni to explore their aspirational career paths without the pressure of a grade or full-time internship commitment. Experiences vary from conversations over coffee or lunch to even a full- or half-day experience at a workplace. 

How do I participate as an Alumni Host? 
To be a host, you simply need to complete and submit the online form and short questionnaire by Thursday, February 18, at noon. We cannot guarantee your selection as a host but will market your interest to all registered students to the best of our ability. 

Is this program in person or virtual?
Arcadia University is committed to alumni and student health and safety. We highly encourage alumni and students to meet virtually for Take a Knight to Work 2021. Additionally, we recognize many alumni are working in alternative environments. Virtual connections will allow alumni and students to meet across the globe, no matter their location. Virtual experiences vary from coffee or lunch meetings, to full or half-days on the job. With most students learning remotely, alumni connections through Take a Knight to Work are even more valuable. Virtual career exploration conversations are relatively easy and can help a student gain confidence, make decisions, explore new career paths and build their network.

What is the matching process? 
After alumni registration closes, the Offices of Alumni Engagement and Career Education will match alumni and students based on availability, preference, and interest. While we will do our best to fulfill all requests, there is no guarantee that all alumni hosts will be matched. Hosts will be notified by email of all matches by March 8, 2021.

When is Take a Knight to Work? 
We’ve scheduled this program during Arcadia University’s spring vacation, from March 16-18, 2021. Based on your availability, you may choose a full-day, half-day, morning or afternoon coffee, or mid-day lunch option. Because the availability is up to you and your student(s), you may have one or multiple host times or days.

What are the key activities and dates? 

• Alumni Registration: January 11 to February 18
• Student Registration: February 1 to March 1
• Match Day: By Monday, March 8
• Matched alumni receive reminder messages, tips, and support in preparing: March 9-15
• Take a Knight to Work: March 16, 17, and 18

What does a typical host day look like? 
The day itself may consist of observation or collaboration on daily work activities, sitting in on meetings/other activities, touring/virtual touring your facility, speaking engagements from executives, informational interviews, or hands-on experiences—all dependent on your time and the nature of your industry and organization, as well as your organization’s model of work this spring. It’s your choice to coordinate an experience where your student can learn more about your career field and the path that took you from Arcadia to where you are today.

Here is a suggested schedule if you are planning to host a student for a full day: 

• 9:00–10:00 a.m. Introductions, learn about the job and organization
• 10:00–11:00 a.m. Meet teammate(s) and learn about their roles, the organization
• 11:00 a.m.–Noon Overview of the industry/company and a joint work project 
• Noon–1:00 p.m. Lunch with you and/or a break for lunch, if virtual
• 2:00–3:00 p.m. Individual meeting/s or hands-on activity/ies 
• 3:00–4:00 p.m. Wrap up, Q&A and reflections

What are my responsibilities as a host?
You are responsible for hosting your student’s Take a Knight to Work experience. As the host, you will do the following:

• Schedule the Experience: You’ll plan out your student’s experience —whether it’s a coffee chat or a half- or full-day on the job. 
• Host the Student: Take a Knight to Work between March 16-18, 2021.
• Take a Picture: Take a picture and share with fellow alumni! Post on social media to show your Arcadia pride using #TakeAKnightToWork. 
• Share your Feedback: After the experience, complete a brief survey and help us continue to improve this program.

Can I host more than one participant or select multiple dates?
Absolutely! You can host more opportunities for up to three students. 

How do I sign up? 
You can sign up by completing the online registration form by February 18, 2021.

Who can I contact if I have questions?
Andrea Farnan, Director of Young Alumni and Student Engagement

• Email: farnana@arcadia.edu
• Phone: 215-572-2160