What is a Job Shadow?
“The activity of spending time with someone who is doing a particular job so that you can learn how to do it.” - Cambridge English Dictionary
Spring 2026 Timeline
- Winter Break: Sign-Up/Indicate Interest
- February 2 & 3: Student Orientation
- Option 1: Monday, February 2 (5–6 p.m.) PCC Lobby
- Option 2: Tuesday, February 3 (10–11 a.m.) PCC Lobby
- Option 3: Tuesday, February 3 (5–6 p.m.) Zoom
- February 3–March 1: Students Apply to Opportunities via Handshake
- March 2–March 6: Employer Team Matches Students
- March 7–March 29: Students Connect with Employers
- March 30–April 17: Job Shadows Take Place
Key Program Details
Duration: The experience is a one-day job shadow
Compensation: This experience is not paid and does not offer academic credit. It is designed to provide educational and networking benefits to participants.
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from various academic disciplines are encouraged to apply
Application Materials: To apply on for the HawkShadow Program on Handshake, you must submit:
- Your Resume
- A Letter of Interest
Information for Students
Benefits for Students
Benefits for Students
Gain valuable insight into a career field
Build your professional network and potentially develop a mentorship
Reflect on what, and where, you would like to work after graduation
Program Highlights
Knowledge Enhancement: Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in their field of interest.
Networking Opportunities: Through this program, students will have the chance to build a network of valuable professional contacts.
Mentorship Possibilities: Students may find potential mentors among the professionals they interact with during the externship.
Job Exploration: The program includes a one-day job shadowing experience, allowing participants to get a firsthand look at the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of professionals in their chosen field.
Orientation Session: Participants are required to attend a comprehensive orientation session at the before their job shadow. This session will provide an overview of program expectations, guidelines, and tips for making the most of the job shadow experience.
"I was able to further explore career opportunities in the field I am interested in."
Want to learn more?
Fill out this interest form and someone from the Employer Team will reach out to you about this opportunity
Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Benefits for Employers
Connection to enthusiastic, motivated students eager to learn and contribute.
An opportunity to provide a positive job shadow experience for students to continue building your company’s brand and showcase your company culture.
A chance to give back to the University of Iowa community by supporting education and professional development.
Highlight career opportunities within your organization.
Potentially identify future talent for your team.
Program Details
Cost: No cost for participating in the program (outside of company handouts, products supplied to the students etc.)
Timeframe: There are opportunities for participating in the spring or the summer (or both) - whichever works best for your organization.
Duration: 1 day commitment—Half day (4 hours) or Full Day (6-8 hours)
Student Qualifications: Employers can specify qualifications – however, most opportunities will be open to all students.
Customization: Employers can provide an already existing experience, meet with one or multiple students at a time or have students meet with a variety of different departments. We are open to whatever format works for your organization!
Application/Matching Process: Students will submit their resumes to each opportunity that they are interested in (via Handshake). First come first serve. We will inform employers and students of their final matches.
Would You Like to Host?
Fill out this form to become a HawkShadow host. Confirmation and email with details to follow. Questions? Contact Hannah hannah-shelton-hauck@uiowa.edu or Sherry at sherry-rhinehart@uiowa.edu
Questions?
Hannah Shelton-Hauck
