Host a Job Shadow

Advice will vary by student and host, but generally a great job shadow experience is one that is educational and realistic. Students seek job shadows in order to gain a real-world perspective about a career they’ve had minimal exposure to. In order to help them make an informed career decision, the job shadow should be a realistic representation for what a typical day in the field is like. And, in addition to benefiting the student, the experience should also benefit the host.

Ideas to create a great experience for the student and host:

• Send or show the student an itinerary of their day in advance.
• Schedule brief conversations with peers in different departments.
• Allow the student time to talk to HR about hiring trends and future opportunities.
• Share your own career exploration process.
• Offer advice for how the student can best utilize their remaining time as an Oregon State student.

Make sure to check out our sample schedules for more ideas.

*Add link to sample schedules page

Depending on the host, activities can include an observation of daily work, informational interviews, meetings within the organization, coffee/lunch with Oregon State alumni at the office or worksite, a tour of the organization, hands-on experience or meet and greets with current interns and/or college hires. Hosts will have the opportunity to collaborate with the student and create a schedule that is most beneficial for both parties.

There is no cost to employers or students to participate in this program. However, students are expected to cover all of their personal expenses. Any assistance (i.e. travel, lunch, etc.) that a hosting company can provide the student is most appreciated.

All student applications will be reviewed and matched by the Career Development Center. Hosts will be notified of their match in May. Please view the timeline for updated dates regarding the Job Shadow Program.

Job shadows will take place June - August 2026. They will range from a half day to a full day, a coffee or lunch meet and greet, or a virtual informational interview depending on the host.

Job shadow opportunities are primarily available in the Willamette Valley (Portland, Salem, Corvallis and Eugene), with some in Seattle, Vancouver (Washington) and Northern California. Additionally, there are a number of opportunities that take place virtually.

Being a host is a great way to give back to the Beaver community while providing students with the opportunity to gain realistic perspectives of potential careers. Hosts can give insight about careers that students likely will not learn in the classroom.

No, job shadows are unpaid experiences.

A sample schedule for a full day might look something like this:

9:00 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Welcome, Introduction, and Overview of Company ABC

10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Meet & Greet with Alumni, Recent Hires, Current Interns, and/or Supervisors

10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Office Tour

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Insight into Occupation/Daily Roles of Professionals

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Lunch with Alumni, Recent Hires, Current Interns, and/or Supervisors

12:45 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Break

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Employee Panel Discussion

2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Shadow the Alumni Host

3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Recruitment Process and Resume Coaching, or Informational Interview

4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Q & A

4:30 p.m.                   | Student Departs

A sample schedule for a half day might look something like this:

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Welcome, Introduction, and Overview of Company ABC

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Office Tour

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Insight into Occupation/Daily Roles of Professionals

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Shadow the Alumni Host

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Employee Panel Discussion, Meet & Greet, or Informational Interview, etc.

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Lunch with Alumni, Recent Hires, Current Interns, and/or Supervisors OR Student Departs