There is no cost to participate in a job shadowing experience. To make this opportunity as accessible as possible, job shadowing is open to all undergraduate and graduate students. Both international and domestic students who are interested in expanding their networks are encouraged to participate.
How to Apply
Job shadowing hosts and students are asked to complete a brief application prior to the start of the program. This application covers basic information regarding your background and professional interests. Since 2021, job shadowing has also been structured around our center’s Career Communities, nine industry-aligned groups which promote connections between students, faculty, alumni and employers with shared interests.
Job shadowing hosts and students will be asked to select 1-2 Career Communities which relate most closely to their professional experience or career interests. Hosts and students whose career interests align will be paired up. Once assigned, hosts will communicate directly with students to schedule a mutually convenient time for shadowing. Please note that in order to ensure meaningful pairings and valuable learning experiences, matches are not guaranteed for everyone who applies.
Information for Hosts
Both Suffolk alumni and non-alumni employer partners are invited to serve as hosts.
Job shadowing consists of having one or more Suffolk students observe you and engage with you at your place of work (or virtually) for a few hours or a full day. This allows a student to experience firsthand what it is like to be in a professional environment. It is a form of experiential learning designed to give students short, practical exposure to a position or field of interest. By hosting a student for a day, you will have the opportunity to be a part of a student’s career exploration and decision-making process, while also having the chance to identify potential future interns or job candidates!
Once you complete the online application and select the cycles you would like to participate in, we will assign one or more students whose interests align with your professional work. We will accept new applications throughout the academic year and will create assignments prior to each shadowing cycle. Once assignments are received, hosts will communicate directly with the students to arrange a mutually convenient date, time, and modality for shadowing during that semester. You will receive our Host Guide which provides examples of shadowing activities and other important information.
After Applying
Job shadowing hosts and students required to read the Host Guide [PDF] or the Student Guide [PDF]. Student applicants will be asked to complete a brief orientation prior to the start of the program. Career Center staff will contact you directly with these materials, including a brief orientation video and forms which will be electronically signed.
Interested in Learning More?
Our center plans to host several information sessions throughout the academic year. Check out our events page for a complete and up-to-date list of upcoming sessions.