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Job Shadow Program - Employer Information

Job Shadow Program for Employers

Life Calling & Career Services invites you to participate in the SAU Job Shadow Program, where you can enhance your recruitment strategy by hosting and connect with SAU students in your own workplace. In a half-day (4 hour) experience, you will engage with current students on their journey to finding their own career path.

Why host a SAU student participant?

A job shadow provides an essential opportunity to test drive a career path or occupation. It also can help students to get a foot in the door in a competitive field. A job shadow experience can be added to a resume as a way of demonstrating genuine interest in a specific field or employer. Students that secure job shadows, especially as first years or sophomores, most likely will be better prepared to make career decisions, and apply for internships and jobs in the future.

Interested in Becoming a Job Shadow Host? 

Employers interested in hosting a SAU student(s) can register for the “SAU Job Shadowing Program” by completing the following form. 

Host Interest Form

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of experiences are SAU Job Shadowing student participants seeking? What do students do during a job shadow?
It depends upon the host and field of work. Examples of activities may include taking a tour; conducting informational interviews in your organization with people in various specialties and roles; learning about the industry, culture of the organization, training, coursework, and career paths; exploring the organization’s various resources; sitting in on meetings; or assisting with tasks and actual projects (e.g., conduct research, write reports).
What should I expect from my student?
The host should expect the student to be ready to learn, observe, and ask questions. Since the program is designed to provide students with exposure to a field, it is not expected that the student will have relevant job experience. Hosts should keep in mind that the student is not a “temp” and therefore should not simply be assigned to clerical tasks. Students value the opportunity to take on projects, to meet with colleagues, and to engage in activities that give them insight into a field.
What can I expect a student's substantive knowledge of my field to be?
Unlike a job or internship, students with no formal or substantive professional experience are encouraged to apply. Job shadows are open primarily to Sophomore students declared as any major but self identifies they are undecided on career path.
What are the job shadow dates?
The host will post their preferred dates, days and times available on Handshake (instructions provided in the “Employer Host Packet”). The student will then pick a host that aligns with their areas of interest and apply for the Job Shadowing experience in Handshake and start communication with the Employer Host.
Am I expected to reimburse the student in any way?
The job shadow is an unpaid experiential learning opportunity. Southern Adventist University will be awarding a $250 stipend provided by our partners at The Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) to the first 25 students that sign up, participate and complete the required components.
How long is a job shadow?
The job shadowing experience must be at least 4 hours long and required to be in-person. The host may design their own agenda; however, recommendations are provided from the Life Calling and Career Services office.
Do I need to be in the Chattanooga area to host?
Yes, SAU Job Shadow Program should provide students with opportunities in the greater Chattanooga area.
What kinds of industries may participate?
Nearly all industries are welcomed and encouraged to participate.
Can I host more than one SAU Job Shadow Student Participant at a time?
Absolutely! You can share the responsibility of hosting one or more student participants with a colleague or choose to Host multiple student participants individually. When you post your “Job Shadowing Experience” on Handshake, you can select how many students you are willing to host during that specific time.
Do I need to provide meals/lunch for SAU Job Shadow Student Participants?
SAU Job Shadow Hosts may choose to provide breakfast and/or lunch for SAU Job Shadow student participants. However, this is NOT a requirement. Hosts who choose NOT to provide meals must include dining options and information on meals to the student participant. (Example: “SAU Job Shadow student participant will need to bring their own lunch and store it in the employee break room”).