Job Shadowing Program Overview

Spend 1-5 enriching days throughout the academic year and academic break periods exploring an exciting career path through Career Advancement's Job Shadowing Program!

The Job Shadowing Program gives UChicago undergraduate students the opportunity to experience a day-in-the-life in an industry of interest by shadowing UChicago alumni, family members, and friends virtually and at their place of work for anywhere from a half-day to a whole week. During a job shadowing experience, also known as an "externship," students have the opportunity to build their resume with industry-specific experience, expand their professional network, and identify the skills necessary to succeed in the industry.

Please note that all costs related to the job shadowing experience must be covered by the student, including but not limited to housing, transportation, and meals. If you live on-campus and would like to remain in Chicago over the break, please contact College Housing.

Boston Biotech

Participate in Job Shadowing

Winter Break Job Shadowing

Applications for Winter Break Job Shadowing are currently closed. More job shadowing opportunities will be offered over Spring Break. Applications for Spring Break job shadowing experiences will open on January 6, 2025.

Only undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Chicago are eligible to participate.

Questions? Please contact careeradvancement@uchicago.edu.

2024-2025 Job Shadowing Program Dates

  • Winter 2024: December 16-20, 2024

  • Spring 2025: March 17-21, 2025

The Hosts

Career Advancement offers job shadowing opportunities in a variety of fields, including the arts, business, consulting, finance, government, law, medicine, nonprofits, STEM, and more!

Previous hosts include:

  • Amazon

  • The American Medical Association

  • The Cambridge Group

  • CNN

  • Crunchbase

  • Bank of America Merrill Lynch`

  • Facebook

  • Google

  • LuminAID

  • The Legal Aid Society

  • Morgan Stanley

  • Nielsen

  • The Smithsonian

  • UChicago Medical Center

PLEASE NOTE: Job shadowing opportunities are unpaid. In addition, students are responsible for any costs associated with the experience (transportation, housing, meals, etc.)

Interested in Hosting a Student?

Alumni, Parents, and Employers: If you are interested in hosting, please complete the form available on the prospective host registration page.