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.
Why should I participate in a job shadow?
- Discover new industries and interesting roles
- Learn from current employees
- Experience different companies
- Build your professional network
How the Program Works
Flexible Job Shadow Experience Dates
The SJSU Job Shadow Program is available throughout the school year. Students who are selected and matched with a professional may participate on a mutually agreed-upon weekday based on their availability and the employer’s schedule.
Each Job Shadow Experience is scheduled independently rather than taking place during a single designated week or limited program period. This rolling format gives students access to career exploration opportunities at different points throughout the academic year.
Job Shadow Experience Types
Students who are matched with a professional may participate in one of four experience types, depending on the employer’s preferences and availability:
- 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 Student Interest Form | Accepted throughout the school year |
| Student and Employer Matching | Conducted on a rolling basis |
| Students and employers connect by email | Rolling |
| Job shadow experiences take place | Throughout the school year |
How to Participate
Students will be notified by email as employers sign up to host our students for job shadow experiences. Students can then apply to that specific Job Shadow opportunity based on their interests, availability, and career goals.
If selected for a Job Shadow opportunity, 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: eligibility does not guarantee that students will be paired with a professional.
Eligibility & Expectations
All currently enrolled undergraduate students are invited to apply to participate in the Job Shadow Program.
Job Shadows can be either virtual or in-person depending on student and employer preferences.
While there are no formal program fees to participate in a Job Shadow, students are responsible for all transportation-related costs required to attend the experience (e.g. gas, parking, public transportation, etc.).
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.
FAQs
No, students are not paid for attending Job Shadows.
No, students cannot earn academic credit for attending a Job Shadow.
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 David Poirier, Career Experiences & Internship Specialist, at david.poirier@sjsu.edu.