PRSA Colorado’s 2026 Shadow Week Connects Students With Communications Leaders

PRSA Colorado’s 2026 Shadow Week Connects Students With Communications Leaders

PRSA Colorado members once again opened their calendars, and their workplaces, to the next generation of communications professionals during the chapter’s annual Shadow Week, held March 9–13.

The program pairs college students studying public relations, communications and related fields with experienced professionals for one-on-one mentorship conversations and behind-the-scenes exposure to the communications industry.

This year’s Shadow Week brought together more than 70 students from five Colorado colleges and universities, including the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, the University of Northern Colorado, the University of Denver and Aims Community College.

Dozens of PRSA Colorado members volunteered as hosts, offering students an inside look at the day-to-day work of communications professionals and sharing insights about career paths in the industry.

For both students and professionals, the experience continues to be one of the most meaningful mentorship opportunities on the chapter’s calendar.

What Shadow Week Is

PRSA Colorado’s Shadow Week is designed to help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

Each participating student is paired with a communications professional working in the field. Over the course of the week, hosts and students coordinate a one-hour virtual meeting or in-person experience, giving students an opportunity to learn directly from practitioners.

The format is intentionally flexible. Some students meet their mentors for coffee or lunch, while others join virtual conversations or spend time in an office environment observing meetings and projects.

Regardless of the setting, the goal remains the same: to give students a clearer understanding of what a career in public relations, strategic communications and marketing looks like in the real world.

The program also helps students begin building professional networks early in their careers, an essential step for anyone entering the communications field.

Highlights From 2026

Throughout the week, students connected with professionals representing a wide range of communications roles, including agency, corporate, nonprofit and government communications.

During these conversations, students explored topics such as:

• Career paths in public relations and strategic communications

• The day-to-day responsibilities of communications professionals

• Resume and portfolio feedback

• Mock interview practice

• Networking strategies and career advice

Mentors also gave students a closer look at the tools and workflows used in the profession. Some hosts walked students through media monitoring platforms, social media management tools and media relations databases commonly used in the industry.

Others invited students to sit in on planning meetings, brainstorming sessions or project discussions to demonstrate how communications strategies are developed and executed.

These experiences provide valuable context for students who may be studying communications theory in the classroom but have not yet seen how campaigns and media relations efforts unfold in professional environments.

Mentorship in Action

For many PRSA Colorado members, Shadow Week offers a meaningful opportunity to mentor emerging communicators and give back to the profession.

Jake Kasowski, PRSA Colorado board member and chair of the Student Outreach Committee, said the program plays an important role in helping students better understand the industry.

“Shadow Week is about creating real connections between students and communications professionals,” Kasowski said. “It gives students the chance to see how our work happens day to day while also allowing professionals to share advice that can help guide students early in their careers.”

“Shadow Week is always one of the highlights of the year for me,” said PRSA Colorado board member Phil Buck, APR, who mentored two students, one from Colorado State and another from CU Boulder. “Programs like this help students see what the profession really looks like, and they help all of us stay connected to the next generation of communicators.”

Strengthening the Future of the Profession

Programs like Shadow Week highlight PRSA Colorado’s commitment to supporting the future of the communications profession.

PRSA Colorado extends its gratitude to all of the professionals who volunteered their time to host students this year and to the students who participated with enthusiasm and curiosity.

PRSA Colorado members interested in mentoring the next generation of communicators are encouraged to participate as hosts during future Shadow Week programs. Students studying communications, public relations, marketing or journalism are also invited to apply when registration opens next year.

By continuing to invest in mentorship and professional connection, PRSA Colorado is helping ensure a strong and vibrant future for the communications profession.