Professional Shadowing Program - Student FAQ
What is the Professional Shadowing Program?
The Professional Shadowing Program is a program designed to connect Business Honors Association (BHA) students with local business professionals through a one-day job shadow expedition.
What does this entail for me?
Professional shadowing is about spending all, or part of a day with a local business professional in the industry of your major, helping you to further clarify your understanding of business and life as a working professional.
How does this program work?
This program is available to all interested students within the BHA. After you submit your formal interest to the program you will be paired with a professional for shadowing. Once matched, we will send you the details of the professional and ask you to contact him/her to arrange the actual shadow date.
What do I have to do?
Before you go on your shadow, we ask that you prepare yourself for this opportunity by researching the professional’s corporation and by preparing a list of questions (minimum of five) to ask the professional. An example of a question would be: what skills would you need to obtain this position? Use every possible means to learn all you can about the company, including the products they produce or services they provide. In addition, it is also good to know who the customers are and who the major competitors are. Use the library or local bookstore to locate and read information about the company/organization. Use investor Web Sites to learn what is happening now in the news with this company and its competitors. Bizjounrnals.com is a good source to find business news by industry and/or location. In addition, we ask that you dress appropriately, arrive for your shadow on time, be professional and most importantly, have fun!
Will I be able to get class credit for participating?
The reason you’re participating in the shadowing program is to further your horizons in business and to put into your studies into perspective. Instead of getting credit, we ask that you take notes, ask questions and become involved during the day. If you’ve learned that you hate accounting (even though you were sure you’d end up as a CPA) or that you love business management, then the program has had a positive effect on you.
Can I bring my resume?
This program is a great networking opportunity that is designed to give you a chance to shadow a professional in your field of interest. As we want you to enjoy your day, we ask that you do not bring a resume to the shadow. The professional will contact you if they are looking for an intern or would like to set up an interview after you graduate.
Will I need to sign a confidentiality agreement form?
Some work may be confidential. In order to accommodate this, please be ready and willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement if necessary.