Students

How to Set Up

Job Shadowing

Find a Match


Identify the job title, company, or industry you want to know more about.

Find someone to interview.

  • Get a recommendation from the Career Center.
  • Search Career Library resources such as company directories, databases, or job/internship listings.
  • Talk to your friends and family for contacts. Those initial contacts can lead you to other contacts.
  • Find a company of interest.
  • Try to find an alumni mentor through CSUN’s Linked-In site (make this a live link).

Make Contact

  • Introduce yourself and explain who you are (e.g., a student at California State University Northridge and my major is_________, or a person making a career change).
  • Ask if they have a moment to speak with you. (They may be trying to meet a deadline or running to a meeting. Arrange for a better time to call.)
  • Let them know that you are researching potential career options and would like to talk with an expert in the field.

    Clarify that you are not looking for a job.

  • Lock in a date, time, and place for the job shadow. Ask for a few hours or a couple days to spend with your contact, depending on his/her availability.
  • Ask for the address and parking information.

Thank the person for being willing to meet with you!