Informational Interviews/Job Shadowing

What are Informational Interviews and Job Shadowing?

Informational Interviewing allows a student to ask an employer specific questions about a job, career, industry, and/or company, as well as expressing interest in the employer’s personal educational and career paths. The student will make arrangements prior to meeting the employer to outline expectations for the interview. Job Shadowing includes elements of the informational interview and then adds more dimension. Students tend to stay on the job site for a minimum of a half-day and it may last for multiple days. The person doing the job shadow will observe professionals within the organization while these employees conduct their daily routine. This experience provides an inside look at what an average day on the job is like.

Career Services also arranges a number of group site visits to interested employers. The Department has an ongoing relationship with the Department of Children and Family Services, offering a site visit each semester. Additionally, other career fields have hosted groups of students who sign up through Career Services, including publishing, information technology, research, and nonprofit organizations. Advertisements are shared each semester for the group site visit, so be sure to check your email or stop by CUE 217 to see what is planned for this semester.

Why should I go on an Informational Interview and/or a Job Shadow?

• Make better-informed decisions regarding your choice of major and/or future occupation.
• Determine if you would be interested in doing an internship or co-op in that field.
• Meet new people and establish a professional network of colleagues.
• Learn about specific skills and experiences you should gain prior to graduation in order to be more marketable for employment in that particular field or industry.
• Understand what an average day is like in that particular field or industry.

When is Informational Interviewing and/or Job Shadowing Successful?

The learning experience works best when you:

• Conduct research on the organization prior to the experience.
• Has an interest in the field or occupation being shadowed.
• Keeps an open mind and is curious about different careers, work environments, and industries.
• Asks intelligent and engaging questions.

How Do I Get Started?

Come to Career Services in CUE, room 217, during walk-in hours, to talk to a member of the Career Services Staff about the how to get started. You can also pick up a handout about the process, which has sample questions.