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Job Shadow Program

  • Pepperdine students at Staples Center for Job Shadow Day
    AEG Job Shadow Day
  • Pepperdine student and Job Shadow Host connect over zoom
    Disney Virtual Job Shadow Day
  • Pepperdine students with Job Shadow Host at Venbrook Insurance
    Venbrook Insurance Job Shadow Day
  • Pepperdine students with their Job Shadow host at JJ&A
    JJ&A Job Shadow Day
  • Pepperdine students with their Job Shadow host at ColourPop Cosmetics
    ColourPop Cosmetics Job Shadow Day
  • Pepperdine students with their Job Shadow host on the Dancing with the Stars set
    Dancing with the Stars Job Shadow Day
  • Pepperdine student and Job Shadow Host connect over zoom
    Patagonia Virtual Job Shadow Day

The Pepperdine Job Shadow Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to explore an industry, organization, or job function while shadowing Pepperdine alumni and friends of the university in their various work environments. Students can be matched with host professionals in the Greater Los Angeles area or virtually across the globe for hands-on and rewarding career exploration to sharpen their career plans, network with alumni, gain industry contacts, and increase confidence in their professional skills. 

The format and schedule will vary by the nature of the hosts' job or industry but a session may include:

  • An informational interview with the host and/or other employees such as recent hires and alumni
  • Insight into the host's daily responsibilities and activities
  • Information about the company's hiring process
  • Internship/job tips
  • A tour of the company (if possible)
  • Attendance at team meetings and/or organizational events
  • Exposure to career/internship opportunities within the organization

 

Job Shadow Program Dates

The Job Shadow experience will be scheduled between you and your host during one of the days listed below.  The Job Shadow Program is offered both in-person and virtually. The nature of your job shadow experience will be dependent on your host's site availability and location. You may connect with an industry professional in person or via video conference.

October
17-31

Fall Job Shadow Program

Apply on Handshake by September 19

march
13-31

Spring Job Shadow Program

Apply on Handshake by March 6

 

Application & Matching Process

  Apply on Handshake

Students must complete their application on Handshake and complete the Google Form with their preferences. Please note in order to apply, you must have an approved resume on Handshake. 

  Complete Orientation 

Students must watch the mandatory orientation video and sign the Student Participation Agreement to be eligible to participate. Instructions to sign the Student Participation Agreement are shared in the orientation video. To watch the Job Shadow Day Orientation Video, please click here. 

  Get Matched with a Host

The Career Center team will match students with a host based on the application materials, major, career interests, and preferences. Please note due to availability, the company/host requested on the student application is not a guarantee. The Career Center emphasizes the value of this career exploration and mentorship opportunity regardless of the company or host match and encourages students to be open and flexible in their shadowing experience.

Job Shadow Day is not a paid experience. Students are responsible for scheduling their job shadow experience directly with their host. Once you attend the orientation, submit your application, and are matched with a host, you are required to participate in the program.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  Who can participate?

All Seaver students are invited to participate. 

  Who are the hosts?

Job Shadow Day hosts include a variety of professionals, mostly alumni, parents, and friends of the university working in a variety of industries in the Greater Los Angeles Area as well as virtually across the world. 

  What companies have participated in the past?

Universal Music Group, Disney, AEG, Zoom, Red Bull, Manchester Financial, Union Rescue Mission, Venbrook Insurance, Southern California Life Magazine, Children's Law Center of California, ColourPop Cosmetics, Los Angeles County, Coty, AUDIENCEX, Horizon Media, NBC Los Angeles, ABC, JJ&A, Charles Schwab, and more! 

  When will I find out who my host is?

You will be introduced to your host via email about 2 weeks prior to Job Shadow Week. Depending on your host, you may be matched with 1-2 other students for the experience.

  Do I need to get my resume reviewed prior to Job Shadow Day?

Yes, having a Career Center approved resume is mandatory for the Job Shadow Program. Your host will receive a copy of your resume prior to the experience.

  Where can I find the Job Shadow Student Guide mentioned in the orientation video?

The guide can be found in the Attachments section, on the left side bar, of the Handshake application.

  Is there a cost?

There is no fee to participate in Job Shadow Day. However, students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the host site, parking, etc. during Job Shadow Day. 

  Will I be paid?

Job Shadow Day is not a paid experience and students will not receive academic credit.