Shaylee Stroot
Major: Marketing
Graduation Date: May 2026
Job Location: West Acres Development
As a senior marketing student, Shaylee Stroot wanted a first-hand look of what happens behind the scenes in a busy workplace. Her job shadow experience at West Acres Development gave her an eye-opening look into the world of human resources and helped her clarify her very own career path.
When she signed up for the Job Shadow Program, Stroot was motivated by getting a chance to see what HR looks like in a real workspace. She knew there was so much to learn behind the scenes. “I wanted to see what HR and marketing actually look like in a real setting,” Stroot said.
Stroot was excited to meet the professionals of West Acres, and mentioned how she wasn’t too nervous going in. “They are just people who were there to show us what they do,” Stroot said. Approaching the experience with confidence, allowed her to take everything in and connect well with the group.
What surprised her most was how much responsibility HR carries behind the scenes. She saw how paperwork, relationship management and legal knowledge all play a role in helping the mall function effectively. The experience challenged her expectations and, as she shared, “made me realize how important their role is in keeping everything running smoothly.” Seeing HR in action helped her understand just how essential the role is to daily operations and workplace culture.
Throughout the day, Stroot observed the skills needed to succeed in HR: leadership, communication, organization and problem‑solving all stood out as essential. She learned from Janna Curry, senior vice president of human resources at West Acres Development, that positivity goes a long way in leadership.
Stroot also learned a lot about herself. As a marketing major, she was open to exploring another area of interest, but seeing the full scope of HR helped her reaffirm her original career path. “I realized that I am more interested in work that allows me to be creative, think visually and connect with an audience,” Stroot said. Seeing HR up close helped her better understand her own strengths.
Stroot left the experience feeling more confident in her future. Often, you don’t truly know what a career looks like until you see it in action, and she found real value in getting hands‑on exposure. “Job shadowing is valuable because it gives students real-life exposure to a career, not just what they learn in a classroom. It helps them understand what a job is actually like, what skills are needed and whether it’s the right fit,” Stroot said. Her experience highlights the importance of job shadowing and encourages other students to participate.
Stroot’s job shadow reminded her that real‑world experiences can shape your goals in ways the classroom can’t. Her time at West Acres Mall strengthened her appreciation for HR while confirming her passion for marketing. She hopes other students take the leap, describing job shadowing as an eye‑opening way to explore your future with confidence.
