Bartholomew Funeral Home invites students to explore job shadow program

When students embark on the job shadow hunt, Bartholomew Funeral Home in Valparaiso opens the unconventional doors to mortuary sciences. With a decade of partnership with the Porter County Career and Tech Center, Bartholomew Funeral Home offers high school students a rare look at the funeral service industry. 

“We think it is so important that people understand our industry and get rid of that air of mystery about it,” said Kyle Newhard, office manager for Bartholomew Funeral Home. 

The job shadow program attracts an average of two to three students a year who are often already interested in medical or service-oriented fields. Bartholomew Funeral Home uses the shadow experience to highlight specialized skills such as embalming. It stresses that the profession varies on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Over the years, student participants have been professional, driven and inquisitive. 

“We take a lot of pride in what we do, and it is exciting for the directors to share their skills and wisdom,” Newhard said. “Sometimes we have interesting stories and unique scenarios to share with the students to show that you never know what’s going to come at you. It is exciting to get out there and educate.” 

Bartholomew Funeral Home ensures students grasp the emotional side of the career by scheduling time for them to attend traditional funeral or cremation services. The staff teaches students that regular exposure to death does not make them immune to sadness. Younger students are often involved in key moments such as family arrangement meetings to observe how directors balance business with genuine connection.

“I’ve been at several services for somebody that I have never met before, but in listening to their family talk about them, you get a little tear in your eyes,” Newhard said. “It’s emotional. We want students not to be afraid of their emotions, but to use them to understand where people are coming from.” 

The firm takes pride in the students who have gone on to mortuary school, although most participants ultimately do not pursue funeral service. The career path is hindered by the scarcity of local training opportunities. With the closure of the nearby Ivy Tech program in East Chicago, students must now travel to Worsham College in Illinois, the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in Ohio, or the main Ivy Tech program in Indianapolis. 

“We have had several students years down the road after they’ve finished college who have stopped by to say they had a wonderful experience here. The Career Center calls us back every year because of the good feedback. I think it’s a good experience all around for students, as it might enhance their future even if they don’t join our field.” 

For those considering shadowing, the industry offers several occupations. The field’s core profession is the funeral director, who must be licensed and is often certified to embalm. Beyond the primary role, the staff handles duties such as removing the deceased. Office personnel manage essential tasks like setting obituaries, obtaining cemetery information and organizing paperwork. Larger firms may also employ specialized staff for business and finance operations. 

“If you have questions or are curious, all you have to do is ask,” Newhard said. “We are more than happy to explain what a day in the life is like. We’re here to point people in the right direction and help advance their career or future. We are also happy to take on more students or pair with other career centers.” 

For prospective students who may feel called to explore the mortuary sciences, please visit pccte.org. To explore opportunities and services with Bartholomew Funeral Home, visit bartholomewnewhard.com.