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.
Why should I host a job shadow?
By hosting a Job Shadow experience for SJSU students, employers have the opportunity to:
- Develop emerging professionals
- Share your expertise
- Connect with diverse talent
- Give back to SJSU
How the Program Works
Flexible Job Shadow Experience Dates
The SJSU Job Shadow Program is available throughout the school year. Employers may host a Job Shadow Experience on any mutually agreed-upon weekday, allowing organizations and students to select a date that best fits their schedules.
Each Job Shadow Experience may be offered as an independent event rather than taking place during a designated week or limited program period. This flexible, rolling format enables employers to participate whenever staffing, projects, and organizational schedules allow.
Job Shadow Experience Types
Through the Employer Application, employers may indicate the type of experience they would like to provide. Options include:
- Full Day: In person, approximately 6-8 hours
- Half Day: In person, approximately 2-4 hours
- Coffee or Lunch Meeting: In person, approximately 1-2 hours
- Informational Interview: Virtual, approximately 30-60 minutes
Program Timeline
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Submit Employer Interest Form | Accepted throughout the school year |
| Schedule a job shadow experience | Based on employer and student availability |
| Students and employers connect by email | Rolling |
| Job shadow experiences take place | Throughout the school year |
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 Trisha Gilges at trisha.gilges@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.
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 Trisha Gilges, Assistant Director of Industry Aligned Learning, at trisha.gilges@sjsu.edu.