Job Shadow Program

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 are connected with professionals in the Greater Los Angeles area or virtually worldwide for a fulfilling career exploration experience. Participating in a job shadowing experience can enhance students’ understanding of their career interests, allow them to establish connections with alumni and industry experts, and increase their confidence in their professional abilities.

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 early talent 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

Due to the prevalence of remote work, an in-person shadowing experience is not guaranteed in any field of interest.

Job Shadow Program Dates

The Job Shadow experience will be coordinated directly between you and your host and may take place in person or virtually. The format will depend on your host’s availability and location.

Apply on Handshake

Fall 2025 application closes on Monday, September 29 at 5 pm.

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.
Students must have an approved resume to complete their application on Handshake. Applications with pending documents will be withdrawn after the deadline.

Attend a Mandatory Orientation Session

Students must attend a mandatory orientation and sign the Student Participation Agreement to be eligible to participate. Orientations are offered in person and virtually. Applications will not be considered complete unless your attendance is recorded at an orientation session.

Fall 2025 Orientation Dates:

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | 3:00 – 3:30 PM
Monday, September 15, 2025 | 2:00 – 2:30 PM
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 9:00 – 9:30 AM
Friday, September 19, 2025 | 10:00 – 10:30 AM
Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 4:00 – 4:30 PM

For more information regarding the orientation session, refer to Handshake.

Get Matched with a Host

Students are matched with their hosts on a rolling basis. Once students complete their application on Handshake and attend an orientation session, the student-host matching process will begin. Students will be notified of their host match approximately 1-3 weeks after their application is complete.
The Career Center team will match students with a host based on the application materials, major, career interests, and preferences. 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.
The time it takes to match a student and their host can vary by the nature of the profession and the number of requests for that field. For example, in-person shadowing experiences in healthcare/medicine/clinical environments. Due to the prevalence of remote work, an in-person shadowing experience is not guaranteed in any field of interest.

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?

Students are matched with their hosts on a rolling basis. Once students complete their application on Handshake and attend an orientation session, the student-host matching process will begin. Students will be notified of their host match approximately 1-3 weeks after their application is complete.
The time it takes to match a student and their host can vary by the nature of the profession and the number of requests for that field. For example, in-person shadowing experiences in healthcare/medicine/clinical environments. Due to the prevalence of remote work, an in-person shadowing experience is not guaranteed in any field of interest.

Do I need to get my resume reviewed before 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 before the experience.

Is there a cost?

There is no fee to participate in Job Shadow Day. However, students are responsible for their 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.