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Job Shadow Program
The Job Shadow Program is an opportunity for current NAU students to explore careers, learn about industries and professions, and network with Arizona employers. Job shadows are half or full day experiences within Arizona which give students the opportunity to explore future careers.
Students | Employers | Sample agendas
Students
Participating in the job shadow program is a low-stakes way to gain exposure to professional work environments and potential careers. Job shadow experiences are voluntary and unpaid, and students are responsible for their own transportation. If traveling outside of the Flagstaff area, small transportation stipends are available.
How to search for job shadows on Handshake:
- In Handshake, click on “Jobs”
- Click on “Filters” and scroll down to the bottom of the page and select “Labeled by your School”
- Filter for “Job type: Experiential Learning”
- When you’re ready, click “Apply”*
- You may apply for a maximum of five shadows.
*Separate cover letter and resume for each application required. - Email career@nau.edu for assistance with your application materials
Employers
Serving as a job shadow host organization is a low-commitment way to offer students exposure to industry and professions, to support students’ career readiness, and to connect with NAU. If you are interested in hosting a student for a job shadow opportunity, please fill out the Employer Interest Application. For more information or assistance reach out to Career@nau.edu.
Employer Interest Application Accordion Closed
Employer Interest Application
Completing this form registers your company’s interest in participating in NAU Career Development’s Job Shadowing program in an in-person format. A staff member from NAU Career Development will follow up to answer questions and discuss details before fully confirming your organization’s participation this year.
NAU job shadow FAQs Accordion Closed
- What is a job shadow? It is an opportunity for a participant to observe a professional in real-time, demonstrating daily tasks, meetings, and workplace culture.
- How long does it last? Generally, from a few hours to a full workday, though it can span multiple days.
- What are the benefits for us? It acts as a recruitment tool, builds community ties, increases brand visibility, and helps employees develop mentoring skills.
- Is it paid? Usually not. It is typically a voluntary, unpaid experience focused on observation.
- Can I host more than one student for the program? Yes.
- What should I do with the student(s) during the Job Shadow experience? Are there requirements or exclusions? You determine the agenda, and sample agendas are available on our website. Students should be observing the completion of work by employees, versus completing work themselves.
- How are students selected and matched with my company? Students apply to the job shadowing experiences they are interested in.
- What if I don’t have time to mentor? Designate a shorter period for conversation, or have the student observe a specific, routine meeting.
- How much preparation does hosting a Job Shadow require? The preparation required is minimal and primarily focused on determining what the student will observe so NAU Career Development can create an application for the job shadow experience.
- What should I prepare? Ensure you have tasks that can be observed, inform your team, and consider any confidentiality issues (NDA).
Sample agendas
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