Informational Interviews/Job Shadowing Opportunities for Employers

Informational interviews and job shadowing are two methods students use to learn more about a career, industry, specific organization and/or an individual's career path. Students come to the employer's place of business to ask questions, tour the facility, and observe the day-to-day aspects of the world of work. As a result of this activity, the student learns about possible career choices.

Informational Interviews / Individual Job Shadowing

Informational interviews typically are held in person, though they can be conducted on the telephone, lasting one-two hours. An individual job shadow is an opportunity for a student to observe a professional in a specific occupation at a selected work site performing day-to-day tasks. Job shadowing is a one-time opportunity. That usually lasts from a half day to a full day.

Group Site Visits

Career Services coordinates several group site visits each semester. Group site visits are half-day job shadow opportunities for a group of interested students, where they meet with individuals performing a variety of job functions within an organization. Students are given a tour and the organization often arranges for a light lunch between the employees and the students, allowing for a more casual or information exchange of information. It is ideal for employers wishing to get name recognition to a group of interested students, especially sophomores and juniors looking to start their career search with internships and part-time jobs.

What are the Benefits for Employers?

Participating in job shadowing opportunities can help you and your organization to:

• Build and maintain relationships with self-motivated students.
• Identify promising students for internships, cooperative education, and future entry-level positions.
• Increase name recognition for the organization and build a positive image among University students, staff, and faculty, while building trust within the University community prior to recruiting activities.
• Gain greater understanding of the University culture and student trends.
• Lower first-year employment attrition by educating students on organizational culture, the realities of every day work, and employer expectations.

Whom Do I Contact If I Have Questions About Job Shadowing Opportunities?

If you have questions or would like to host a group site visit, individual job shadow, or informational interview, contact Beth Settje at (860) 486-3013 or Beth.Settje@uconn.edu.