Job Shadow Program

Experience is always a great way to open a young person’s eyes and spark new interests. To offer young adults a glimpse into the aquarium world, the South Carolina Aquarium offers a Job Shadow Program for students in grades 6 to 12. In this program, your child will have the opportunity to observe some of the jobs that keep an Aquarium humming – like aquarist, educator, or mammal behaviorist.

How to Apply

1) Complete the application form below.
2) Write a 300-word essay describing why you are interested in participating and what you hope to gain from the experience.
3) Secure a letter of recommendation from an adult, non-family member (preferably a current teacher).
4) Submit the form, essay and recommendation letter to azalabak@scaquarium.org or via mail:

South Carolina Aquarium
Attn: Ashley Zalabak
100 Aquarium Wharf
Charleston, SC 29401

Application Deadlines

January 11 (for January 18 Shadow Day)
February 8 (for February 15 Shadow Day)
August 30 (for September 6 Shadow Day)

We will accept the first fifteen applicants and contact parents by phone or email after the deadline to inform you whether your student has been accepted to participate in the program.

Get a Glimpse Into Aquarium Careers

From being a sea turtle biologist or vet tech to an exhibit specialist or educator, working at an aquarium means never having the same day twice! Get an inside look at aquarium careers.