Program Overview
The Job Shadow Program typically consists of a one or two day student visit with an industrial partner during winter break. The program is targeted toward freshmen, sophomores, and juniors and is intended as a developmental opportunity. Students from all engineering curricula are invited to submit resumes for companies of interest. Company information, resume submission, and student selection will be coordinated by the Engineering Career Services (ECS) online recruiting system, Symplicity.
Employer Responsibilities
- Determine the number of students you would like to accommodate.
- Determine the preferred dates and duration of the visit -- typically one to two days.
- Identify the majors best suited to fit your needs; enter specific information into Symplicity.
- Invite employees to participate in the program. Ideally, consider younger employees and/or alumni.
- Coordinate with others in the company to plan the scope of the student's job shadow experience to provide various applications of his/her major.
Address these issues within the company before the visit:
- Obtain appropriate clearance for the visits.
- Plan the topics to present to the students.
- Ensure that all supervisors are aware of the visit.
Address these issues with the student(s) before the visit:
- Discuss with the student the type of experience that he/she would find most beneficial.
- Provide a set of your company's promotional and/or recruitment materials to the student.
- Provide directions to your office and parking information to the student.
- Discuss dress code and any restrictions with the student.
- Confirm details with the student a few days prior to the visit.
- Inform ECS of the student schedule and timeline.
2011-2012 Job Shadow Timeline
- October 28: Employer deadline to enter job shadow descriptions
- November 2-11: Students submit resumes
- November 15-18: Employers review and numerically rank all students they are willing to host (employers are encouraged to rank as many students as possible)
- November 30: Employers and students are notified of match via Symplicity
- December 17-January 17: Job Shadow visits occur during this period
