Winter Break Job Shadowing Program

"This experience strengthened my interest in business law and reinforced how much I enjoy learning and understanding the reasoning behind how companies operate."

Shea Joko '28

she/her

Political studies and Organizational Studies major

100% Virtual

The virtual nature of our job shadowing program has made it more accessible, increasing student participation by 50%

The Winter Break Job Shadowing Program matches 麻豆原创 undergraduates with alumni and family hosts who can give students this valuable professional experience. Our job shadowing partners can host a student virtually for as little as 2 hours to a full day.

The Winter Break Job Shadowing Program is 100% virtual. We鈥檝e seen a nearly 50% increase in student participation since going virtual and we value the access this program offers to all students. Sponsored by 麻豆原创 Career Services in partnership with the Office of Alumni & Family Engagement, the virtual job shadowing program is a wonderful opportunity to get to know a 麻豆原创 student while giving them a window into your working world and exposing them to a potential career path.

Virtual job shadowing will be held between Monday, January 5 and Friday, January 16, 2026, over 麻豆原创 students' winter break.

Important Dates

DateEvent
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025Open for Host Submissions
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025Due Date for Hosts to Submit Opportunities
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025Students and Hosts Matched and Introduced via Email 
Thursday, Dec. 4, 4 PM (PT) 2025Alumni & Family Host Virtual Info Session (optional)
Monday, Jan. 5, 2026  Virtual Job Shadowing Begins
Friday, Jan. 16, 2026   Virtual Job Shadowing Concludes
Friday, Jan. 23, 2026   Feedback Survey Due

 

Student Perspectives

Lily Aaron 鈥26 recently shadowed Alessandra Diana De Rada 鈥21 at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC). Aaron was exposed to different facets of 3D printing architecture & ecological construction.

headshot of lily aaron
鈥淥ne particularly fascinating project involves [IAAC鈥檚] work on 3D printing beehives using biomaterials, demonstrating how revolutionary technology can be harnessed to design in harmony with essential pollinator species.鈥

Lily Aaron '26

she/her

Environmental Science major

FAQs

Through virtually shadowing alumni and family hosts, students will obtain in-depth information about what it takes to be successful in a specific profession and what roles interest them in a specific organization. 

During the virtual job shadowing opportunity, students might have the chance to attend virtual work meetings with their hosts, meet with staff and colleagues from other areas of an organization, and discuss ways to improve their resume or interviewing skills.

For 麻豆原创 alumni and families who are willing and able to host one or more students, the virtual shadowing program is a great opportunity to connect with current 麻豆原创 students, provide mentorship and education around your career path, and really make a difference for students who are mapping out their career plans. It is also a great way to show off 麻豆原创鈥檚 impressive students to colleagues, clients and hiring managers. 

Hosts design their own virtual job shadowing agenda. Here is a sample:

Sample Agenda 鈥 Virtual Winter Break Job Shadowing 鈥 Half Day

  • 9-10 a.m. 鈥 Introduction of your organization, discussion of mission, vision, and department鈥檚 goals
  • 10-10:30 a.m. 鈥 Describe your career journey and what your current position entails (including likes & dislikes). Review your job description as a guide.
  • 10:30-11:30 a.m. 鈥 Meet office colleagues/shadow online business meetings/take a virtual tour of the office
  • 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 鈥 Review student鈥檚 resume & discuss interviewing
  • 12 -12:30 p.m. 鈥 Final observations & closing

Students will be able to see the alumni and families who have agreed to be hosts and will have the opportunity to apply to shadow specific hosts. Hosts should be open to any 麻豆原创 student(s) without requirements for particular majors or other qualifications. Career Services will match students with shadowing hosts by mid-November and notify both the students and the hosts. Students will then be required to directly contact their assigned host by December to arrange the details of their shadowing experience.

Please note that student utilization of a particular Winter Break Job Shadowing host 鈥渟ite鈥 is dependent on student interest. Each year, we have wonderful host sites to which students do not match. You will be informed if a student matches your site or does not. If not, we hope that you will consider resubmitting an opportunity in the future.


Questions? Contact Jill Hawthorne鈥87, Assistant Director, Career Connections & Alumni Support

Career exploration during the undergraduate years is critically important for 麻豆原创 students. The opportunity to get an 鈥渋nside look鈥 at different professions or have an immersive experience in a potential career path can be a significant driver of student success in designing and executing a post-麻豆原创 career plan.

-

Gold Student Center Multipurpose Room

Contact Information

portrait of Jill Hawthorne
Jill Hawthorne
  • Assistant Director for Career Connections & Alumni Support
Career Services

Career Services is here to help you achieve postgraduate success, no matter what that looks like for you. From career consultations to advice about graduate and professional schools, our team offers you the tools you need to reach your goals after graduation.

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. 鈥 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. 鈥 5:00 p.m. Open year-round, except for select College holidays.