“Take an OWL to Work Day” Job Shadowing: Building Partnerships for Student Growth

What is “Take an Owl to Work Day”? One day program to learn about a job by shadowing a worker Allows the student the ability to explore a possible career interest Gives the student the ability to learn the company culture and environment The student can gain experience and receive on-the-job learning, career development, and leadership development Great resume builder

Employers: How to post jobs and shadow opportunities 1. Access the Career Services page: https://www.southernct.edu/studen t-life/academic-success/career- services/ 2. Click on JOBSs: Employer Login 3. Click on Sign Up & Post Job OR Sign Up and create an account for future job postings. 4. Once you have registered, repeat steps 1 and 2 for future logins. Future sign ins will only entail putting in the information you have set for yourself.

Students: How to find a shadow job 1. Access the Career Services page: https://www.southernct.edu/student -life/academic-success/career- services/ 2. Click on JOBSs: Student Login 3. Create an account and search for job shadow postings ***To find all job shadow positions search “Job Shadow Position”

Employers: How does job shadowing impact your company? Potential to increase partnerships with Southern Increase knowledge of your company on campus Allows for the opportunity to create relationships with students who can become future employees

Employers: How will we market positions with your company? We use flyers and social media to promote available job positions Informing departments and faculty on campus to spread the word to students Benefit: Ability to register for our Career Fair

Employers: How are our students prepared for a job shadow? Students attend various workshops that involve: Education on possible career paths Help choosing a major Tips for finding jobs/internships Self marketing Networking Resume building Information sessions and on-campus interviews to help students prepare

Student Criteria for “Take an Owl to Work Day” Freshman and Sophomore students only All majors accepted Unpaid Eager to learn about different job positions Time commitment Appropriate work attire Research and prepare questions to ask while shadowing

Student and Employer Objectives Learn about the work place atmosphere Have ability to determine a “good fit” position Real world experiences Gain knowledge of the company Employer Maintain same schedule as a regular work day Answer any questions about job inquiry Make a realistic picture of a typical day Visit other departments and work areas during the work day if possible

Students: Questions to ask on a job shadow 1. What are the challenges in this job? 2. Do you have any advice for someone considering a career in this field? 3. How did you decide you wanted to work here? 4. How long have you worked here? 5. Does this job impact your personal life? 6. Are you required to work hours outside of normal business hours? 7. What do you like most about your job? 8. What do you like least about your job? 9. What skills do you think are the most important to succeed in this position? 10. Is there anything else that I have not seen today or that you think is important for me to know?

Employers: Suggestions for a Successful Job Shadow Program If starting from scratch, ask for help: research schools that have good job shadow programs; they may be willing to share information and resources Meet deadlines and stay on track: make sure you are specific about when applications should be submitted, when applications will be reviewed, etc. Assign roles: divide the responsibilities among staff Educate students: have an orientation for students to explain what you are looking for and to ensure that students will maximize their experience Give reminders: students may need several reminders about important dates, times, dress code, etc.; also make sure you provide them with a contact person who they can ask all of their questions to Ask students to document their day: you will be able to use this information to market for future job shadow programs

Questions?? Contact us! Aimee Piccin Associate Director of Academic and Career Advising piccina1@southernct.edu Wintergreen Building 116 203-392-6517 Kelianna Bonn Graduate Assistant bonnk2@southernct.edu 203-392-6539 Search: Career Services