Job Shadowing Information for Employers

Job shadowing is when a student is exposed to a specific occupation at a selected work site observing an individual performing workplace tasks. Job shadowing is a one-time opportunity; the length varies depending on the organization, though typically shadow lasts from half a day to a full day.

Job shadowing fosters the opportunity for students to explore interesting careers, learn about a specific career or job, link textbook information to the world of work and create a better understanding of the work environment and types of skills needed for specific occupations. Job shadowing allows students to view actual work and tasks being performed on a regular basis to determine whether or not that career is right for them, assisting them in the career decision making process.

Group Shadowing

Career Services coordinates several group shadow opportunities each semester. Transportation to the organization is provided to a group of interested students who attend a half-day shadow, where they meet with individuals performing a variety of job functions within an organization. This type of opportunity exposes students to the many career options within an organization and educates them on the interrelated functions of various careers.

Informational Interviews

The University appreciates that due to confidentiality and liability issues, a student may not be able to directly observe your organization. In those cases, we ask that you consider a one hour informational interview. This still allows a student to conceptualize the various duties associated with the occupation and allows a question and answer period .

Student Preparation

When considering participation, students meet with a Career Consultant to determine what type of shadowing experience they are seeking. Prior to placement, students are required to create a resume, complete an occupational research activity to increase their awareness of the career and attend an orientation session with a Career Consultant to discuss expectations, confidentiality, and appropriate workplace dress and behavior. Shortly after they shadow, for either a half or whole day, they attend a follow up appointment with the Career Consultant to debrief on the implications of the experience regarding choices about academic major or future potential vocations.

Benefits for Employers

What participating in job shadowing can do for you:

• Build relationship with self-motivated students through experiential learning opportunities and identify promising students for internships, cooperative education and future entry level positions.
• Increase name recognition for the organization and build a positive image among students and within the University community through partnerships with Career Services professionals, faculty members and the University.
• Cultivate a better prepared workforce by educating students on the realities of a particular career and the skills they will need to develop prior to entering the world of work.
• Maintain relations with student communities from which you recruit. Promote relationships with faculty and staff. Establish a presence on campus and build trust within the University community prior to recruiting activities. Gain greater understanding of the University culture and the student trends.
• Lower first-year attrition by educating students on the organizational culture, the realities of the every day work and employer expectations prior to students accepting and starting positions with the organization.

What Employers Have to Say

"I love my job and it gave me an opportunity to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with someone else."
- Marie Whalen, UConn Health Center

What Students Have to Say

“The job shadow at the Hartford City Hall opened my eyes to the career possibilities in government, and their capacity to do good and make a difference for Hartford citizens.”
- Participated in a Group Shadow at Hartford City Hall

“By the end of the shadowing I was so excited to research this career because I can see myself doing this everyday!”
- Job Shadowed at the UConn Alumni Association, Marketing Department

“Job shadowing gives students the perfect opportunity to see what their imagined job is like on the inside.”
- Job Shadowed at Mercy High School , English Department

“I would recommend the shadowing program, as it puts you ‘in the front seat' of the occupation in which you are shadowing and gives you experience which can not be read about in a book.”
- Job Shadowed at Kenneth Boroson Architects

“The job shadowing program has been a great experience. I feel more competent in being able to choose a future career.”
- Job Shadowed at Rubino Center for Infant and Child Development