Shadow a Job Program
1. What is the Shadow a Job Program?
The Shadow a Job Program is designed to expose students to a professional field through visiting with participating host at his/her office for a day. This day will help students identify some of the expected skills, knowledge, and preparation for a particular career. We also hope the student makes the connection between academic study and hands on participation. The experience instills a sense of value to the students' programs of study and helps combine their academic, technical, and classroom work. The Shadow a Job experience provides a window for students to see what a career in their selected host's field will encompass.
2. What activities are students supposed to be doing during this exposure?
Because the program is designed to only meet once, it is important to expose the student to as much as possible with the visit. A typical day may include but is not limited to:
- Attending a meeting
- Listening in on a conversation between work colleagues discussing an issue
- Filing office paperwork
- Interviewing office staff
- Reading reports tied to the host's job
3. Who is eligible to participate?
The program is open to both SPPD undergraduates and graduate students. This program offers the opportunity for all levels of students to experience what it is like to work for the participating organization of their choice.
4. How does the administration of the program assign students and do I participate in the selection process?
Although you are not directly involved in the screening process we take into consideration requests for particular types of students and work to pair you with the types of students you are looking for. Students are given a list of all participating organizations and hosts and make a selection based on job description and duties. Students select from our list of available hosts and request to be placed within the organization with the host available.
5. Will students contact me directly?
Yes, but only after the Office of Career Services has contacted you to give you some brief information about the student you will be asked to host. It is the responsibility of the student to get in contact with you to set up a meeting time that will work for your schedule and work out any details beforehand. Once students have selected their desired host and we have determined the match, our office will give the student you are paired with your contact information.
6. Are there any costs to participate?
Students are expected to provide their own means of transportation and cover all costs to participate in the program.
7. How do I apply?
Fill out our application form (Word Doc) and fax to the SPPD Career Services Office at (213) 740-7573.