Support career exploration by providing Wildcats with early exposure to industries and professional work spaces.
The Job Shadow Program is a low-pressure educational experience where organizations can offer students their first exposure to an industry or workplace while supporting career exploration and establishing a brand presence at the University of Arizona.
Now accepting hosts for the summer session!
Complete an interest form.
“We were able to share upcoming openings, opportunities and broaden our network. I got to learn more about student interests, answer thoughtful questions.” – JSP Host, Summer 2025
Job Shadow
Summer Session 2026
Employer Deadline: March 18th
Student Applications Close: April 12th
Employers connected with student/s: Before May 6th
Summer Session 1 Shadows Take Place: May 11th – June 12th
Summer Session 2 Shadows Take Place: June 15th – July 17th
Employers across industries can establish a presence on campus and support career-development for emerging talent at the University of Arizona. Host one or more students at your professional workplace, or on Zoom, during winter, spring and/or summer break. Benefits include:
- Provide real-world insight to curious and aspiring professionals
- High-value exposure for your organization, profession and industry among the student body and greater campus community
- Build a reliable pathway for early-talent to your organization
- Meet students in your city, in your workplace
We’ll be in touch with next steps and information on how to promote your job shadow experience to students across campus. Our team will support you every step of the way.
For questions and additional information on the Job Shadow program, contact Brianna Ferrell, Program Manager, Early Talent Connections.
How To Host Successfully
Our team will provide a roadmap for conducting a meaningful and rewarding Job Shadow experience. On the day of the shadow, as the expert, you will have autonomy to create the agenda for the day. Students will rely on you to design an experience that allows you both to make the most of the opportunity, to experience your industry and work environment and connect with professionals. Depending on the nature of your industry and role, the shadow may consist of any combination of exploratory elements. Our students are eager to benefit from your generous guidance! The experience should be a minimum of two hours, and no longer than eight hours.
Depending on the nature of your industry or organization, a student’s job shadow day with you may consist of:
- Observation of your daily work
- Touring your building or facilities
- Sitting in on meetings & other activities
- Dedicated Q&A time (“Ask Me Anything”)
- Small scale, hands-on projects or experiences
- Observing or utilizing specialized technology or equipment
- Presentations by executives
- Informational Interviews with professionals in your office
- Networking with alumni or other professionals
You’re encouraged to create an experience that provides insights and opportunities that students can’t get from a website or job board. If your work happens virtually, digital experiences are possible! As our team for suggestions on how to host a virtual experience. Job Shadows are not permitted in work spaces located in residential homes or environments. Employers must activate a free Handshake account to participate.
My Job Shadow experience taught me more than I could ever imagine.
Shruti Takur / M.S. Environmental Engineering
Give a Wildcat the chance to experience your professional workplace for a day.
The Job Shadow Program pairs students and employers for a day of learning and discovery.
Wildcats can gain exposure to a professional workplace, learn about possible careers and industries and make new connections.
More Opportunities To See Students In Action
Partner with CCR to share your organization, industry and workplace culture to the next generation of Arizona talent specialized skill-building programs or internships. Engage directly with students and see them in action with hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world skills.
“SECD has been a tremendous partner in our recruiting efforts.” — Cole Tsonis, Program Manager, SLDP, Gallo Wine Company
