Job Shadowing

"Job Shadowing is a great way to find out if the job is really what you want to do!"

Job Shadowing
In the Job Shadowing Program students are matched with Skidmore alumni or volunteer employers in the geographical and career area of the student's choice. Students generally spend one day to several weeks during winter/spring break shadowing sponsors in their professional roles. The specific day and length of time are agreed upon by the student and his/her sponsor.

• Job Shadow Opportunities for Students
  

Job Shadow Sponsors
Alumni, Parents and Employers - Sign up to become a Job Shadow Sponsor. Please include your title, company description, job responsibilities, and potential job shadowing activities.

What is Job Shadowing?

In the Job Shadowing Program students are matched with Skidmore alumni or volunteer employers in the geographical and career area of the student's choice. Students generally spend one day shadowing their sponsors in their professional roles. The specific day and length of time are agreed upon by the student and his/her sponsor.

Job Shadow Your Career
More information on job shadowing and how it can help your career from Monster.

How does completing a Job Shadow benefit students?

Students who participate in the Job Shadowing Program are able to receive a firsthand look at the workplace in a career of their choice, make valuable networking contacts and have the opportunity to see how classroom learning can be applied to real world situations. The program offers a chance for students to explore possible career fields through limited observation and discussions with professionals at a selected job site. The program is intended to serve in assisting students in the career planning process. By participating in the program, students will gain a better understanding of what's involved in a particular career choice. This information will assist students in their career decision making process and and/or help them to decide what industry or environment they wish to pursue after graduation.

What is the role of the Job Shadow Sponsor?

Sponsors are expected to introduce their profession, industry or organization and exchange ideas with the student. A discussion of job the sponsor's responsibilities, a tour of the workplace, written material about the company and/or industry along with an opportunity to observe the sponsor's daily routine are some of the usual activities students might expect.

Eligibility to participate in the program?

Due to increased popularity students will be placed on a first come/first served basis. All students and majors are welcome to participate!

What are the student's responsibilities?

Attend an orientation session to go over expectations and
responsibilities of the program.

The Career Advisor Network currently includes over 2100 alumni and parents eager to assist students and alumni with information interviews, internships, job shadows, jobs and networking. Take a moment to check out this valuable resource available to all Skidmore students and alumni.

You can prepare yourself for the job shadow experience by checking out Career Services link on Informational Interviewing. Preparing a list of questions before your job shadow (see the suggestions for informational Interviewing) will help you get the most out of your experience. The more specific the questions you ask, the more helpful Career Advisors can be. Do not ask for information that can easily be found elsewhere. Once students complete the necessary forms in Career Services, it is their responsibility to contact the sponsor, schedule the meeting, and follow through with the Job Shadow.

Do some "homework" before your appointment; research the career field in which the Career Advisor works, and his/her employer as well. Utilize the reference and/or career-related collections at Skidmore, your local library or a nearby college.

Students will be contacted by Career Services once the Job Shadow match has been confirmed with the sponsor.

IMPORTANT
Sponsors and Career Services must be contacted as soon as possible if student must cancel his/her shadow. Students must take responsibility for participation and assist Career Services in maintaining positive connections between students, alumni and professional sponsors to ensure similar opportunities for future students.

Quotes from 2008/2009 Job Shadowers:

• I think that my job shadowing experience made me feel more confident in going into patient care and my sponsor suggested that I look into additional options in healthcare, such as nurse practitioner, if I'm feeling unsure about applying to medical school.

• I really liked the culture and overall atmosphere of the organization.  I was given a complete tour of the space and a brief tutorial on software the company uses. I am now considering working for the company as an intern next summer and possibly applying for a full-tim job after graduation.
  

• My job shadowing experience really reaffirmed my commitment to medicine as a career and I'm seriously considering a career in internal medicine. I highly recommend that students participate in one or more job shadows while at Skidmore.  It's a great way to help you decide whether a field you are considering is one you can see yourself enjoying in the long term.

•  This experience has prompted me to pursue an internship in physical therapy and to continue on with my interest in the field.

•  After my shadowing experience, I was more assured than ever that I wanted to become a journalist. I was able to experience the daily life of a journalist and I am sure that this lifestyle acclimates to my personal temperament and needs.