Job Shadow Program - Information For Students

Why participate?

A Job Shadow experience can help you:

• Explore a career or industry that interests you
• Learn what a professional’s day-to-day work actually looks like
• Understand different roles and career pathways within an organization or sector
• Connect what you are learning at UTM with the world of work
• Learn about the skills, education and experiences that can support different career paths
• Ask professionals questions about their career journeys and workplace experiences
• Build your professional network and confidence connecting with people in the workplace
• Clarify what you may, or may not, want in your future career 

What does a Job Shadow experience look like?

Each experience is different and is designed by the host based on their role, workplace and availability. Job shadows may be offered in person or virtually and can range from approximately one hour to one week.

Depending on the host and placement, your experience may include:

• Shadowing or observing a professional as they carry out aspects of their work
• One-to-one career conversations with your host
• Meeting other professionals or members of the host’s team
• Touring a workplace, department or facility
• Observing meetings, demonstrations or workplace activities
• Learning about recruitment, career pathways and professional development
• Participating in a small project, activity or other hands-on experience where appropriate

The activities available will vary. Some workplaces may limit observation or participation because of confidentiality, privacy, security, safety or operational requirements.

1. Complete Career Exploration 101

Complete the Career Exploration 101 online module by the deadline for the placement period. This module helps you reflect on your interests and prepare to explore career options.

Complete Career Exploration 101 Module now!

You are eligible to apply if you complete the Career Exploration 101 Module before Monday, 5th October, 2026.

2. Explore available opportunities

Review the hosts and opportunities available for the current term. Hosts vary from one placement period to another and may represent different industries, occupations, organizations and career paths.

3. Submit your host preferences

Indicate the Job Shadow opportunities that most interest you by the published deadline. Select opportunities based on what you want to learn and explore, not only on organization name.

4. Receive your match

The Career Centre reviews student preferences alongside host availability and placement requirements. If you are matched, you will receive information about your host, the experience and next steps.

5. Prepare for your experience

Matched students receive preparation and placement-specific information before participating. You are expected to review the information provided, research your host and prepare thoughtful questions.

6. Participate in your Job Shadow

Attend your experience as scheduled, engage professionally and make the most of the opportunity to learn from your host and workplace.
 

Career Areas and available hosts

Participating in the Job Shadow Program allows you to explore a career area of interest. If you are undecided about your career placement choice, we can suggest workshops and resources to assist you in discovering your options. You can also access many online resources including Planning Your Career and Careers by Major.

Available hosts change each term. Opportunities may span a wide range of industries, organizations, occupations and career paths. The program cannot guarantee that a host will be available in every career area during each placement period.

When reviewing opportunities, consider what you hope to learn from the professional, role or industry. A Job Shadow can be valuable even when the host’s job title is not exactly the career you originally had in mind.

Additional placement requirements

Some Job Shadow experiences may have additional requirements because of privacy, confidentiality, safety, security or regulatory considerations. Depending on the placement, this could include an agreement, screening, documentation or other host-specific requirement.

Any additional requirements will be communicated to you if they apply to an opportunity or placement. Do not obtain screening or documentation in advance unless you are specifically instructed to do so.

Accessibility and accommodations

We want students to be able to participate fully in Job Shadow experiences. If you require an accommodation to participate, please contact the Career Centre as early as possible so that we can work with you and, where appropriate, the host organization to support your participation.

Contact the Career Centre at careers.utm@utoronto.ca

“This was a well-organized program which gave me insight into the career I wanted to explore, as I was unsure as to what career I wanted to pursue.”

“I got a better understanding of the financial planning activity as well as the way to access the employment opportunities related to finance. I observed the work environment and the dynamics between employees and clients that was invaluable for exploring my career interest.”

“The placement clarified some misconceptions of the job description that I had heard. It gave me a sense of direction [and] a timeline for me to follow should I really want to pursue genetic counselling as a career.”