Job Shadow Program
Shadow Professionals in the Field
Explore an industry, organization or job function during a one-of-a-kind opportunity to shadow professionals in the field for ONE DAY during Winter Break, Spring Break, and/or early Summer Break.
Depending on the nature of the company you visit, your day may include sitting in on meetings, facility tours, observing daily work, informational interviews, or hands-on experience. The Job Shadow Program (JSP) is not a paid experience. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from host sites as well as their lunch (unless otherwise notified) during the Job Shadow Program.
WINTER BREAK 2019-20 JOB SHADOW APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN ON OCTOBER 21, 2019.
Samantha's shadow experience changed her career path!
Student Application Submission Instructions
UPCOMING SESSION DATES
Winter Break 2019-20 Job Shadow applications will open on October 21, 2019. Available Job Shadows will each take place ONE DAY between January 2-14, 2020. The exact date and hours of each shadow will either be pre-designated by host within the job posting or agreed upon between student and host once they are matched.
- October 21-November 17, 2019: Student applications open!
- December 2-6, 2019: Students & hosts notified by SECD of their shadow matches.
- December 9-13, 2019: Mandatory student orientations; students contact hosts and finalize details.
- January 2-14, 2020: Job Shadows take place in Tucson, throughout Arizona, and around the United States.
FIND THE RIGHT OPPORTUNITY
APPLY DIRECTLY THROUGH HANDSHAKE
Login to Handshake (arizona.joinhandshake.com). Click “Jobs” near the top-center of the page, then use the job search filters on the left-hand side of the screen.
Scroll down and click on “show advanced options,” locate the labels field, click “View All” and then check the box next to the "UA Job Shadow Program" label. All approved job shadow opportunities will have “Job Shadow” listed in the title of the position.
Click the “Apply” button to submit your cover letter and resume for each position you are interested in. You are allowed to apply for a maximum of 5 different opportunities.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Apply only for the opportunities you are 100% sure you are able to attend. If the date listed does not work for you, please find one that works with your availability. Please pay attention to the location of the JSP opportunities that interest you, as you are responsible for transportation to and from the job shadow site. By applying, you are committing to attend should you be matched to a job shadow opportunity.
Student Matching Process
During the Resume & Cover Letter Submission Window, students will be able to review all the different Job Shadow Opportunities via Handshake and apply directly to those of interest (5 max). After submissions close, the Student Engagement & Career Development Job Shadow Team will look to match you with an employer host, based on a combination of your major, career interests, resume, cover letter, and preferences. You will be notified of your status soon after, with plenty of time to complete a mandatory Orientation and to reach out to your host to ask questions and confirm details. We always try to match as many qualified students as possible!
TIP #1: Enhance your odds by tailoring your cover letter to each specific opportunity, explaining why exactly it interests you, and mentioning how the shadow might affect your career insight and/or prospects. We greatly appreciate genuine interest and thoughtful reasoning. (Click here for Cover Letter advice!)
TIP #2: Need help creating or improving your resume and/or cover letter? Visit our amazing team in LifeLab, or make an appointment with one of our excellent Career Educators.
Mandatory Orientation (Students notified of their host)
Once we have matched all of the shadow opportunities, you will be notified of your acceptance status via email, and will be invited to attend ONE mandatory orientation session. At the orientation, you will be guided through the rest of the process and provided with your host contact information.
