Job Shadow Program
The Job Shadow Program is an opportunity for professionals to connect with students either in-person or virtually to help them explore different roles, career paths, and industries.
By hosting a Job Shadow experience for SJSU students, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop emerging professionals
- Share your expertise
- Connect with diverse talent
- Give back to SJSU
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
Through the Employer Application, employers can indicate what type of experience they’d like to provide for students. Options 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)
Employer Application Process
Employers interested in participating in the program can submit the Job Shadow Program General Interest Form at any time between now and April 30, 2026. One of our team members will contact you when your form is received.
Note: Please only submit one (1) application response per participating professional. If you are a recruiter or HR professional representing your organization, please contact Bobbi Makani at bobbi.makani@sjsu.edu for more information regarding how to sign up for the program.
Student & Employer Matching Process
Matches will be made based on the responses to the questions on the general interest form. Once matched, students and employers will be connected via email to coordinate final details.
Employer Information Sessions
Employers who would like to learn more about the Job Shadow Program can email David Poirier (david.poirier@sjsu.edu) for details or to set up a consultation.
Key Program Dates (2026)
| Activity | Period Opens | Period Closes |
| Submit Employer General Interest Form | Now | April 30 |
| Job Shadow Days | February 1 | April 30 |
| Students & Employers Connect via Email | Rolling | Rolling |
FAQs
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.
Job Shadows can be virtual or in-person depending on the preference and availability of the employer. Employers can select the type of experience they’d like to provide when submitting the Employer Application.
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.
At this time we unfortunately do not allow employers to select the individual student that they would host for the Job Shadow Program. That said, we do our best to prioritize employer preferences and collect information such as desired student majors, career interests, and class year via the Employer Application.
No, there are no formal program fees to host a Job Shadow. Employer partners may choose to provide lunch and/or other refreshments but it is not mandatory.
Questions?
Please contact Bobbi Makani (Executive Director) at bobbi.makani@sjsu.edu for more information regarding the Job Shadow Program.