Job Shadow Program
The SJSU Job Shadow Program is an opportunity for students to connect with a professional in order to learn about their role and explore different career paths and industries.
By participating in the Job Shadow Program, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Discover new industries and interesting roles
- Learn from current employees
- Experience different companies
- Build your professional network
Flexible Job Shadow Experience Dates
The program now runs any weekday from February 1 through April 30, 2026. Employers may host a Job Shadow Day as their own unique event, rather than all experiences occurring within a single week, allowing more flexibility for both hosts and students.
Job Shadow Experience Types
Students who are matched with a professional may participate in 1 of 4 types of experiences depending on employer preferences and availability. These opportunities include:
- Full Day (In Person, 6 – 8 hours)
- Half Day (In Person, 2 – 4 hours)
- Coffee or Lunch (In Person, 1 – 2 hours)
- Informational Interview (Virtual, 30 minutes – 1 hour)
Student Application Process
Step 1: Submit the Job Shadow Program General Interest Form.
Students interested in participating in the program can submit the Job Shadow Program General Interest Form.
- Students will be notified each time a new Job Shadow opportunity becomes available.
- Students can then apply to that specific Job Shadow opportunity based on their interests, availability, and career goals.
Step 2: Complete the DocuSign packet.
If selected for a job shadow day, you will be notified and sent a DocuSign packet to complete. Once completed, you will receive confirmation and final instructions for your job shadow day.
Student & Employer Matching Process
Students will be matched with professionals based on their responses to the questions on the general interest form. Once matched, students and employers will be connected via email to coordinate final details.
Please note that eligibility does not guarantee that students will be paired with a professional.
Key Program Dates (2026)
| Activity | Period Opens | Period Closes |
| Submit Student General Interest Form | Now | April 30 |
| Job Shadow Days | February 1 | April 30 |
| Students & Employers Connect via Email | Rolling | Rolling |
FAQs
All currently enrolled undergraduate students are invited to apply to participate in the Job Shadow Program.
The length of a Job Shadow experience can range depending on its type. Please see the top of this page for more information regarding the length of each opportunity.
Please refer to the program dates outlined above.
The activities included in each Job Shadow vary by employer. In addition to observing your host’s daily responsibilities, some activities may include touring the company’s campus, attending internal meetings, and participating in a networking lunch.
Job Shadows can be either virtual or in-person depending on student and employer preferences.
There are no formal program fees to participate in a Job Shadow. However, students are responsible for all transportation-related costs required to attend the experience (e.g. gas, parking, public transportation, etc.).
No, students are not paid for attending Job Shadows.
No, students cannot earn academic credit for attending Job Shadows.
Some employers may choose to cover the cost of a lunch and/or refreshments, but this decision is up to each employer.
Questions?
Please email Bobbi Makani (Executive Director) at bobbi.makani@sjsu.edu.