Explore potential careers through job shadowing

Posted on February 3, 2021

By Samantha Lizardo

As a student, Crystal was unsure about pursuing further education or a profession related to her double majors in international relations and East Asian studies. So, she turned to the Job Shadowing Program to explore various career options that interested her.

All students and recent graduates can join the Job Shadowing Program to connect with professionals for insight on different careers and industries. Learn more about your host’s work and experiences, ask questions and explore how your interests and skills can be applied in the workplace. You’ll be matched with a professional host and meet them online for 1-2 hour meetings over one or two days.

“I would say if it weren’t for this program and my host, I would not have landed my current job in search engine optimization at a marketing agency,“ shares Crystal, a past Job Shadowing participant.

“Before meeting my host, I did not know digital marketing existed. But when we met, she kindly went through the basics of search marketing with me, and it sparked a journey of exploration.”

You can also build your network and make professional connections. For Crystal, her host became a significant support throughout her job search.

“After the program, my host has also been very supportive whenever I reached out to ask about search marketing and marketing agencies’ application process,” she adds.

Laura, a Master of Information student had a similar experience.

“As a first-generation student, it can be very challenging to build a network and gain professional experience because unlike our peers, we can’t always turn to our relatives for guidance. The Job Shadowing Program has really helped me build my professional network and explore new passions.”

All students and recent graduates can connect with hosts across industries, backgrounds and experiences regardless of your field of study. Many hosts are seeking to connect with and support students from underrepresented groups, including first-generation, Black and Indigenous students, and students with disabilities.

“I also got the opportunity to learn from other first-generation alumni like myself, learn new skills and consider careers I didn’t know existed. I am now more confident in my networking abilities, professional skills and my career goals,” adds Laura.

You can complete the Career Exploration Orientation 30-minute online module and attend an online workshop to become eligible for the program. If you’re a graduate student, you only need to complete the online module.

After completing the orientation, you’ll be able to participate in the Job Shadowing Program as many times as you like for up to three years, or up to two years after graduation.

To learn more, visit Job Shadowing Program. For questions about the program, hosts or how the program can benefit you, contact careerexploration@utoronto.ca.