Why shadow?
The intent of this program is to provide you with a meaningful experience by connecting you with a fellow Lancer who is currently employed in a role or industry that is relevant to your career goals. This opportunity can be a great way for you to ask questions and receive advice, gain insight and enhance skills.
Shadowing can help students:
- Clarify career aspirations and professional goals
- Explore a certain career more in depth
- Experience the professional environment first hand
- Connect with professionals in the field
- Develop network skills
- Decide whether that industry is the best fit for them or not
- Determine where their citizen leadership qualities fit best
Why host?
By connecting one or more students with you, they will have a chance to see a “day in the life” in a field of interest through your eyes while also gaining meaningful professional development experience. You’ll also be giving back to our alma mater in a new and impactful way!
The intent of this program is to help students:
- Learn more about a career field
- Determine if this is the field for them
- Learn professional etiquette
- Increase networking skills and gain professional contacts
"Hosting a student from my alma mater was an excellent experience and a testament to how Longwood is preparing students to be citizen leaders. My student was insightful, intelligent, and very eager to glean from my experience and that of my staff. She was well prepared to network and gain insights into the field that I work in. I would host another work shadow student tomorrow!"
- Eric Fehr, Class of 2010, Director of Student Life at Liberty University
What would a shadowing day would look like?
After you are matched with a student, we will share tips and tricks on how to make the most of your virtual work shadow experience. While every industry is different, here are some ideas to build out your itinerary:
- Designate time to discuss your journey from Longwood to your current role
- Review of the student's resume and/or cover letter
- Plan a meeting on a major project that relates to the student's career interests
- Work through a case study together
- Connect the student to other professionals that may offer insight on job paths
2022-2023 Timeline
September: Registration opens for Students
October: Registration opens for Alumni and Professionals
Mid-November: Matches are finalized
Late November: Student Work Shadow training
Work Shadow Dates: December and January dates are currently in the works and will be finalized by the time registration opens in September.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does matching professionals and students work?
- When students sign up, we collect information on major, field of interest, career goals, and plans after graduation. We then compare their responses to professional opportunities. After a match is made, we will send you an email with the name and contact information for your student match and also provide a few recommendations on how to move forward. Once the student has completed their work shadow prep course they will reach out to you to receive instruction from you in regard to how the shadow day will proceed.
How much of a time commitment is job shadowing?
- The time commitment is limited to just a few hours, plus a little preparation time. We do request that professionals share a proposed itinerary to your match ahead of time so students can be appropriately prepared.
Am I guaranteed a match after applying?
- We cannot always guarantee a match; however, we do our best to connect as many work shadow opportunities as possible.
Sample Schedules
Schedule One
9:00 am Introductions
10:00 am Office/Team wide meeting
11:00 am Presentation to stakeholders or team
12:15 pm Alumni Q&A with other Alumni at the company
Schedule Two
8:30 am Introductions
9:00 am Office/Team wide meeting
9:30 am One-on-One with colleagues
10:30 am “Shadow” on calls, emails and observe daily business
Noon Lunch Wrap up and resume feedback, Q&A and debrief
