Program Details

What are the expectations of participants?

A business alumnus is asked to provide the student with a learning experience at their office or place of business. While the program is somewhat subjective in structure and timing, a typical job shadow experience might involve an explanation of the business, specific duties and responsibilities, and some insight into on-the-job issues confronting the alumnus at the time of the student visit. In addition, the alumnus may provide follow-up advice and become a positive influence in the student’s career development.

Participating students will prepare for the visit by learning about the alumnus and the business, and develop some questions related to career development.

While participation in the program does not guarantee any opportunities such as an internship or job opportunity beyond the job shadow experience, the relationship could grow into a source for further advice and counsel for the student. The student is advised that the Job Shadow Program does not guarantee an internship or a job opportunity.

Student participants provide their own transportation to the workplace, and are expected to comply with the dress code of the business they visit. 

When does the job shadow occur?

The program is ongoing based on the availability of both the student and the matched business alumnus. The actual dates of the visit(s) would be as agreed upon by the participants. The program is designed to allow maximum flexibility in scheduling but the hope is that the alumnus will devote a few days during the year with their matched participant.

Placement with local business people would likely occur during the school year. However, job shadow meetings could be held almost anywhere during school breaks and summer vacations. (Students are expected to provide their own transportation.)

How are the meetings arranged?

Members of the SWSB sophomore class and the SWSB business community (alumni and local business people) will be surveyed to determine interest in participating in the Job Shadow Program. Student members of the SWSB Dean’s Student Advisory Council will then make preliminary matches of responding students with responding businesspeople. 

After both parties agree to the preliminary match, the student will contact the business person to arrange a job shadow meeting at the workplace. Subsequent meetings may also occur, arranged as desired by the participants.

What are the General Guidelines and Responsibilities of the Participants?

Participating Alumni

• Prepare for the student’s visit by arranging a schedule and providing general information about the company and the particular work environment.
• Provide the student with information about the company and the issues that will be discussed during the student’s job shadow visit.
• Share general career information to assist in the student’s career decision-making process.
• Assist the student in developing networking skills and general job search plans.
• Provide constructive feedback about the student’s resume and cover letter.
• Offer advice concerning the student’s interviewing skills.

Participating SWSB Students

• Initiate contact with the alumnus and follow up to coordinate logistics as necessary.
• Be sensitive to the schedules of their hosts.
• Provide a resume and cover letter for review.
• Present questions regarding professional goals, interviewing techniques and the business world in general.
• Be prompt for scheduled meetings and work times.
• Maintain themselves in a professional manner.
• Adhere to the workplace dress code and maintain confidentiality with company information obtained during the visit.

The Sigmund Weis School of Business

• Coordinates the Job Shadow Program and ensures appropriate matches that fit with location and business interests of the participating students and alumni.
• Serves as the link between students and alumni and help resolve questions or concerns expressed by the participating students and/or alumni.

 

For additional information about the Job Shadow Program, contact:

Ron Keefer
SWSB Director of Business Internships
514 University Avenue
Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1001

Email:  keefer@susqu.edu
Phone:  570-372-4209