Job Shadowing Experience

Job shadowing provides an inside look at jobs, organizations, and career paths.

Job shadowing is a valuable way to learn about careers and industries you may be considering, and provides an opportunity to expand your professional network.

Participants spend one half-day or one full day at a Boston area company hosted by a Suffolk University alum or employer partner. Shadowing experiences are offered both virtually and in-person (based on assigned host’s location and work modality). Depending on availability of hosts relevant to your interests, you may have the chance to visit more than one company during the academic year.

The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from all class years and majors. Domestic and international students are eligible to participate. This is an unpaid experience, and there is no cost to apply or participate. No work authorization is required.

Job Shadowing at Suffolk

What will you gain from participating in the Job Shadowing Program? 

  • Learn what kinds of jobs are available in your field of interest and how to prepare for them
  • Explore specific career paths you may want to pursue in the future
  • Discover what expectations employers have
  • See how organizations are run and what the pace of work is like
  • Begin to develop networking skills and make new connections
  • Make smart choices about electives, internships, minors, and other academic decisions

Sign Up For Job Shadowing

Information Sessions are held during both fall and spring semester, find them listed on our Events page and sign up for them in Handshake. Participants will receive more information about the application process at the information session. 

Shadowing occurs during both fall and spring semesters. Students can apply to participate in more than one experience, although a match is not guaranteed for each cycle. There are three steps to applying:

  1. Apply online and select each program cycle for which you wish you to be considered
  2. Complete Orientation (materials will be sent via email after applying)
  3. Receive a Job Shadowing host assignment if there is a relevant match
2023 - 2024 Program Cycles Application Deadline
October - January September 29
November - January November 7
February - May February 2

Questions? Contact us via email.

“Job shadowing a National Sales Manager was such a great experience. I would like to think of my Job Shadowing experience as a special kind of audition for my skillset. Job shadowing hosts are happy to curate an experience and work with you to bring you to speed where they think you need more industry skill.”

Sein Dokubo MBA

“Having the flexibility to do this in a remote fashion gave me the ability to connect with students who maybe I wouldn’t relate to in terms of the content I teach in my class or what I do day-to-day. They were still able to see how our business units fit together and they were able to express what they’re interested in so I could facilitate discussions with a wide range of roles.”

Meaghan Fallano Digital Content Developer, Pearson

Our Hosts have Great Things to Say

“Sara had researched the Town of Maynard and came to town with a genuine curiosity and interest. She sat in on meetings, met my colleagues and toured our downtown. I found it refreshing to look at my career and community through someone else's eyes,” says Megan Zammuto, Executive Director of Municipal Services for the Town of Maynard, MA.

Learn more about the Job Shadowing experience Sara and other participants had