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Job Shadowing

Get involved in our new job shadowing program.

UND's job shadowing program is open to all majors and class years. It is designed to help undergraduates, graduates, and alumni explore potential career options. This experience will promote career awareness while reinforcing the connection between work requirements and classroom learning. Make an appointment today and let us know how we can help you get started!

Appointments

  1. Navigate to Hawk Central and click on Schedule Appointment.
  2. Under Select service(s), click the drop-down arrow next to Experiential Learning and select your appointment reason(s).
  3. Click on the Select advisor(s)/staff drop-down arrow and then click Select All.
  4. Click Search in the bottom right corner to choose an appointment slot.

Meet with Us

Schedule an appointment to meet with your academic advisor, support area, or faculty mentor through Hawk Central. In-person and virtual appointments are available.

How to Schedule an Appointment

Photo of Steffanie Young
Steffanie Young
Experiential Learning Coord
  • steffanie.young@UND.edu
  • 701.777.3906
  • McCannel Hall Room 190
    Grand Forks ND 58202-9014

Job Shadowing Experience

The job shadowing experience can last from a few hours to a day, or longer. Schedules are set by the employer on site and students have an opportunity to engage in various activities such as client meetings, research, projects, facility tour, and/or interacting with other departments and staff within the organization.

Before the Experience

  • Meet with a career professional in Career Services and/or Academic & Career Exploration to discuss your job shadowing experience interest.
  • When an organization is selected and arrangements are made, log into Handshake and Submit an Experience.
  • Research and take notes on the organizations’ website to find out more about them and what they do.
  • Learn the company dress code so you can dress accordingly. Visit the Career Services Career Closet.

During the Experience

  • Arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled experience begins.
  • As their guest, be respectful and attentive during the stay.
  • Ask thoughtful questions while being courteous of the professional’s time and work environment. Hint: this is where the notes taken about the company will be helpful.
  • Ask if notes may be taken. Use your own notebook or electronic device.

After the Experience

  • Send a thank you note or email within 24 hours of completing the experience and detailing key takeaways learned while shadowing them.
  • Three days after the experience Career Services will send out a survey asking how the experience went. Please complete as soon as possible after receiving.

Job Shadow Resources

Questions to Ask

  • Tell me more about your occupation and role?
  • How did you become interested in this type of work?
  • Why did you choose this career?
  • What steps did you take to get this role with this company?

  • What type of education and/or training were required for this job?
  • How do you feel the classes you took in college prepared you for this role?
  • Did you have to interview, take any tests, and complete an internship for this position?
  • What types of previous experience was required for this job?
  • Is there technical knowledge that is required for this job?
  • How are technological demands increasing or changing? How does the ever-changing world of technology impact this role?

  • What does a typical day look like?
  • Are certain times of the month or year busier than other times?
  • Are you required to supervise other employees as part of your job?
  • What does teamwork look like in this role?
  • Does this role often fall outside of the scope of “normal business hours”?
  • Do you work a shift?
  • What choices do you have in making your work schedule?

  • What is the salary range for different levels in their field? How are the raises earned?
  • What types of benefits are offered to your job?
  • Is there any opportunity for advancement or professional development in this industry?

  • What do you like best about your job?
  • What are some challenges to the role/position/industry?
  • How has your company kept up with technology and progressive business management techniques?
  • How does your job affect your time away from work?
  • What are the job opportunities for this area of work?
  • What kind of personal satisfaction do you get from your job?

  • What advice would you give a student interested in this career?
  • What changes do you see in this area within the next 5-10 years?

Guidelines & Thank You's

Following the below guidelines will help maximize the job shadowing experience and serve as a positiverepresentative of your academic program and of the University of North Dakota.

  • Dress appropriately
  • Be friendly
  • Be prepared with questions and talking points
  • Use a clear speaking voice
  • Listen and observe
  • Be on time; best practice is to arrive 10-15 minutes early
  • Remember your conduct is a reflection of the university
  • Cell phones are not to be used during the duration of the job shadowing experience
  • Hand write a thank you note or email following the experience

Your conduct should make the employer want to host other University of North Dakota students in the future.

Dear Dr./Ms./Mr. __________,

1st paragraph – Use this paragraph to thank the host for taking the time to meet with you.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy work schedule to (provide me the job shadowing experience/talk to me about your career and industry) on [date of your visit].

2nd paragraph – Talk about what you enjoyed during the visit/interview and how the visit/interview helped or was instrumental in solidifying your career goals.

I found the [tour/job shadowing/career related information] you shared to be extremely valuable. Being able to [observe/talk with a professional] in the field helped me realize my career goals and the kind of company I would like to work for someday. I specifically enjoyed ________________. Thank you for answering all my questions; the information was very educational.

3rd paragraph (optional) – Reiterate your appreciation for their time.

Thank you again for your generosity and patience in helping me explore my career path.

Sincerely,

[Your signature]

Experiential Learning
McCannel Hall Room 190
2891 2nd Ave N Stop 9014
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9014
P 701.777.2117
UND.el-elc@UND.edu
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