Job Shadow Program

Connect with professionals and learn from their career experience.

As a participant in the Job Shadow Program, you will be matched with a professional working in a field you are curious about. During the program, you will visit the workplace and learn about the day-to-day realities of a particular career, receive valuable advice and explore your career options.

Job shadowing is an opportunity for you to:

• Learn about potential career options and ways to apply your education, training and/or experience;
• Explore a career option
• Clarify work-related preferences and interests
• Develop knowledge of the industry, occupation or field
• Make connections with professionals
• Increase confidence in the work search process
• Gain exposure to the Canadian workplace

Program Dates

Information for participants

The Job Shadow Program is for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, U of A graduates and Spousal/Partner Employment Program (SPEP) clients.

Applications

Information Sessions

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more about the program and how to prepare a strong application.

Details for information sessions will be available once applications open.

Prospective applicants can find the links to each session in the Career Centre Events & Workshop Calendar.

How To Apply:

1. Access the application form (opens mid to late September for Fall, opens mid January for Winter)
2. Review the list of hosts to determine who you are interested in shadowing
3. Decide on your top two hosts, ensuring you are available on the dates and times each host indicates
4. Fill out the rest of the application by the deadline

Please Note:

• The full program time commitment will be dependent on the number of days you are job shadowing.
• Participants are expected to complete mandatory training and contact their host before the shadow to arrange details.
• Job shadowing is voluntary, unpaid and extracurricular. We cannot guarantee that every applicant and host will be matched.

Job shadowing is not tied to participants' core academic programming. The U of A is not responsible in the event of personal injury or loss, accidents or other occurrences during a job shadow. Individuals are responsible for their own actions.

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Information for hosts

In-Person Job Shadowing

Being a job shadow host is a rewarding experience that develops your leadership skills and provides new professionals with the same support you had (or wish you had) when you first started working.

Any individuals working in the greater Edmonton area and Camrose can sign up as a host.

As a host, you will be expected to:

• Select the day(s) and times for the workplace visit during the selected program dates
• Welcome one or multiple participants into your workplace
• Share your experiences and provide a safe, respectful environment
• Plan and facilitate activities to help participants apply their skills and knowledge

There are no direct costs associated with your participation as a host.

Review our Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 host guidebooks for more details about being a host.

Register to Be a Host

Get Notified for Future Registration Periods

Note: If you are unable to access Google forms due to security settings, please contact us at CareerEducation@ualberta.ca to collect your information.

A look inside the program