Job Shadow Information for Employer Hosts

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The Job Shadow Program provides UW-Stout students an opportunity to visualize what their career might look like in a realistic setting. The program is designed to show students a hands-on, realistic, "typical workday" experience through short, temporary experiences in the workplace. Students and host employers will arrange exact start and end times during UW-Stout's Winter Break (January 2-20, 2024). 

Benefits

  • Connect with UW-Stout students interested in your career field/industry/organization
  • Opportunity to “give back” by sharing knowledge and experience
  • Build your relationship with UW-Stout Career Services

Overview

  • Job shadow experiences take place between January 2-20, 204
  • Job shadow experiences are one day (minimum of 6 hours) or a virtual informational experience
  • Exact date and time is scheduled at the discretion of the matched student and host employer 
  • Students visit the job site to observe day-to-day activities of a professional in a career field of interest
  • Employers share knowledge about their professional position and answer questions about their career field and company/organization 
  • Students do not receive academic credit or payment for this experience 
  • Students are 100% responsible for their own travel arrangements, lodging, and any other expenses 

 

Host Registration

When and how long is the Job Shadow Program?

The program takes place in January during UW-Stout's Winter Break. Employers will host students for one day (minimum of 6 hours).  

 

How do I apply to be a host employer?

The application process is online. Employer registration is open from late July to early October.  

*Dates subject to change based on availability of programming resources

 

 

 

Where are the job shadow experiences offered?

Job shadow hosts can be located anywhere, however, we do not guarantee the placement of a student.  

What do students do during their job shadow experience?

While shadowing you, students will be observing your day-to-day activities to help them gain insight on this particular career interest. The student may provide very limited assistance with projects or tasks to help them get acquainted with your organization. This is not designed to be “work."

Do I have to pay students?

No. Students do not receive payment for this experience. It is a shadowing experience, not a work experience.

 

Do I provide transportation, lodging, or cover other expense

No. Students are responsible for their own expenses, including transportation and lodging (if needed).

Can I host more than one student?

Yes. This information will be gathered when completing your online application. However, please keep in mind the responsibilities of being a host before committing to a larger number of students. You will want to consider how you structure the job shadow experience if you have more than one student in order to allow for the best experience for all involved.

How are students matched?

Interested students will submit an application, where they answer questions about preferences, career interests, major, and location. Career Services will match students based on the application. Once a match is made, Career Services staff will send an email confirmation to the student and host employer contact. This e-mail will connect the student and employer so you can begin to arrange dates/time with your student(s). 

What information will I receive about job shadow student(s)

Employer hosts are notified of their matches prior to Thanksgiving break. You will receive the name and contact information of your student(s) as well as their major, anticipated graduation date, their short responses to questions about their professional and academic interests, and their goals in participating in the Job Shadow Program.

We do not, as a rule, collect resumes from our participating students. Many are still working with our Career Coaches to craft their resumes.

You are welcome to correspond with your student(s) before the job shadow day and ask them to send you their resumes.

Am I guaranteed a student?

No. While many students enjoy the opportunity to experience job shadowing, we do not guarantee a direct match. Matches depend on the number of student applications received. You will be contacted via e-mail by Career Services once a match is made. You will also be notified if you are not matched with a student.

What about liability?

The University of Wisconsin - Stout will not take responsibility for any incidents occurring during the job shadow experience. Student and employer should review all necessary safety rules and regulations.

Employers should provide necessary safety briefings and equipment to the student prior to the beginning of the job shadow experience.

It is the student's responsibility to disclose any medical conditions that might result in safety concerns prior to the visit. Arrangements for accommodations can be discussed, if necessary.

Required waivers, permission forms, Release of Liability, non-disclosure, and confidentiality forms should be provided by the employer and read and signed by the student if required by the company/organization.

My company has special requirements regarding privacy

To help address this risk you may want to consider:

  • Discussing specific confidentiality or privacy requirements at your company with the student(s) upon arrival.
  • Requiring students to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
  • Building greater structure into the job shadow experience in order to limit student access to secure areas or information. For example, a series of formal informational interviews may be more appropriate than informal one-on-one shadowing.
  • Limiting access - do not grant student(s) access to secure areas or areas where they are likely to encounter confidential information, or ensure they are always accompanied by a staff member when in these areas.

Career Services staff are happy to discuss your company’s unique needs to help find the best way to address your privacy concerns.

Tips for a successful job shadow experience:

Students should come prepared with questions for you, so feel free to follow their lead. If needed, here are a few topics to get the ball rolling:

  • Trends affecting your industry
  • Daily challenges and requirements of your job
  • Your interests, educational background, and career path
  • Advice for someone wanting to get into your industry and/or your particular company
  • Classes the student(s) should consider taking
  • Experiences/internships that the student(s) should have if they want to pursue a career in your field
  • Suggested publications or professional associations they might explore