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Job Shadow Program for Students

Job Shadow Program for Students

Life Calling and Career Services invites you to participate in the Southern Adventist University Job Shadow Program, where Sophomore (or Second-Year Freshman) students will have the opportunity to explore career paths by shadowing someone in their place of work. Job shadows provide students the chance to gain a realistic experience of a potential career path or field outside of the classroom.  

What is a Job Shadow?

Job shadowing is a chance for students to explore an industry, organization or specific position during a half-day (4 hour) experience in-person. Southern Adventist University job shadows will take place during Fall and Winter semesters. In a job shadow, you will follow your host(s) through their daily activities and learn what it’s like to work in that field. You will search for job shadowing openings through Handshake and then work with your Job Shadow Host to create a schedule that works for you. This is a free, unpaid experience, however, the first 25 students to complete this program will be awarded a $250 stipend provided by our partners at The Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE).

NetVUE

Criteria

Class Standing: Sophomore or Second-Year Freshman

GPA: 2.0 minimum 

Major: General Studies or “Undecided” with a declared major other than “General Studies” (students who self-identify as declared in one major but looking to explore other major and career paths)

Availability: Must be able to commit to at least 4 hours during the work week three times in a semester.  


Students interested in applying for the Job Shadowing Program will need to make an appointment with the Life Calling and Career Services office through Handshake and choose "Job Shadow Meeting" as appointment type to get started with the application process. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have advice for a great job shadow experience?
  • Read through all the listings before you apply on Handshake; there are many opportunities and you never know what might match your interests. 
  • Keep an open mind — this is a learning experience! 
  • Ask questions! Prepare several questions ahead of time, and ask any that come up in the course of your job shadow. 
  • Ask for contact information so that you can follow up with your host when you complete your job shadow. 
What do students do during a job shadow?
Depending on the host, activities can include an observation of daily work, informational interviews, meetings within the organization, breakfast/lunch at the office or worksite, a tour of the organization, hands-on experience and meet-and-greets with current interns and/or college hires. 
What happens after I apply?
After you’ve applied, you will receive an email from the Southern Adventist University Life Calling and Career Services office about a mandatory orientation that must be completed prior to choosing your job shadowing experiences. Once a student has completed the mandatory orientation, they can then apply for job shadowing opportunities posted by hosts on Handshake.  
When do the job shadows take place? How long are they?
Job shadows will take place during the Winter 2023 term (January 23, 2023 – May 1, 2023). 
Where do I find a list of employers offering job shadows and how do I apply?
Employer hosts will be posting their availability for job shadowing experiences in Handshake and students will be able to apply and communicate with employers through the Handshake website to set up their visits. 
 
Where will job shadows take place?
Job shadow opportunities are typically off-campus at the employer location and primarily available in the greater Chattanooga area. 
Who are the hosts?
Hosts include Southern Adventist University alumni as well as other university partners who have graciously donated their time and expertise in order to support Southern’s students. 
Who provides and/or pays for transportation?
The student is responsible for all expenses. 
Why should I participate in a job shadow?
A job shadow is a way to gain valuable information about a prospective career. Through observation of an individual employee’s activities during their workday, students can gain exposure to career paths, strengthen their job application for internships and employment opportunities and build professional skills pertinent to the workforce. 
Will I be paid for this experience? ​​​​​​​
No, these are unpaid experiences. However, the first 25 students that sign up, participate, and complete this program will be awarded a $250 stipend provided by our partners at The Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE).