Work shadow program

Why host?

For employers, work shadowing offers a valuable opportunity to connect with university students, enhancing recruitment efforts and fostering early relationships with future talent.

It also serves as a practical way to assess how well your organization is suited for hosting students in longer experiences, such as micro-internships or internships. For professionals, it provides a chance to mentor and support emerging talent.

Through work shadowing, students not only gain real-world insights and understand how classroom learning translates to careers, but employers benefit from engaging with a pipeline of talent and gaining fresh perspectives.

Employers and Students can also contact the Associate Director, Work-Based Experiences, Danika Bellamy Sankar, at bellamysankard@longwood.edu for more information.

What would shadowing look like?

After a student match is confirmed, we will share guidelines on how to make the most out of your work shadow. While every industry is unique, here are some ideas on what to include in your schedule:

• Set aside some time to discuss your career journey
• Plan a meeting on a major project that relates to the student’s career interests
• If time permits, review the student’s resume and/or cover letter
• Work through a case study or demonstrate tasks you do regularly
• Connect the student with other professionals who may offer additional insights on career paths

Frequently Asked Questions

How do matching professionals and students work?

When employers register, their work shadow opportunities will be added to Handshake. Once the listings are compiled, students will be invited to explore these opportunities and sign up for those that align with their career goals, majors, and areas of interest. After a match is made, we will send you an email with your student's name and contact information, along with recommendations on how to proceed. Once the student completes their work shadow preparation session, they will reach out to you for guidance on how the shadow day will unfold.

How much time commitment is job shadowing?

The time commitment is minimal, requiring only a few hours along with some preparation time. We kindly ask that professionals provide a proposed schedule to their matched students in advance, allowing them to prepare accordingly.

Is a match guaranteed?

We cannot guarantee a match for both students and employers. However, we endeavor to facilitate connections for as many work shadow opportunities as possible. For employers, your information will be stored in our database of work shadow hosts, and we will reach out to you whenever new sessions start.

Can I host more than one student at a time?

Yes, you’re welcome to host more than one student during a shadowing experience, depending on your preferences and needs. However, please consider the responsibilities of hosting multiple students and plan accordingly to ensure the best experience for everyone involved. If you decide to host more than one student, structuring the shadow day thoughtfully can help provide each participant with meaningful engagement and insights.

What are my expectations as a work shadow host?

As a host, your primary role is to give students a comprehensive view of your profession, organization, and day-to-day responsibilities. A typical experience might include offering a tour, allowing students to observe your daily tasks, discussing and engaging them in current projects, and setting aside time for an informational interview. Some hosts also choose to review students' resumes. Introducing students to colleagues or other departments can further enhance their shadowing experience.

How long does shadowing last?

We request that you agree to host a job shadow student for at least four hours. This experience will help them gain insight into your industry and organization. However, some hosts opt to accommodate students for a full day or even two or three, depending on their role and the student's schedule and interests.