Want to Participate?
WINTER & SPRING BREAK CYCLES
Applications for the academic break cycles open three months prior to each break period.
ACADEMIC YEAR OPPORTUNITIES
Students interested in academic year opportunities should fill out this brief questionnaire. Someone from Career Advancement will be in touch if there is an opportunity that is in line with your interests.
Program Details
TIMELINE
Job shadowing opportunities can run anywhere from a half-day to 5 days - students determine the exact length of their shadowing experience directly with their hosts.
ORIENTATION
Students participating in academic break cycles are required to participate in an orientation session prior to shadowing. Details regarding orientation dates, times, and locations will be sent along with your shadowing placement information prior to each break cycle.
Students participating in academic year opportunities will receive orientation materials prior to their shadowing experience and may schedule an appointment with an adviser to discuss making the most of this opportunity.
COMPENSATION
Job shadowing opportunities are unpaid. Students are responsible for any costs associated with this opportunity, including travel, housing, and meals. However, there are many job shadowing opportunities in Chicago, as well as in other large metropolitan areas. Please keep this in mind when submitting your location preference for in-person opportunities. If you live on campus and would like to remain in Chicago over the break, please contact College Housing.
Curious about the program?
Schedule an appointment with an adviser on Handshake or reach out to Isaiah Spears at ispears@uchicago.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will cover the cost of housing and transportation to and from any job shadowing site?
Students are responsible for funding housing costs and transportation costs to the job shadowing site. Students should only apply for job shadowing opportunities that they will be able to complete.
If you are concerned about travel costs, keep in mind that there are several job shadowing opportunities available in Chicago. A limited amount of University housing may be available during Winter and Spring Break. Please contact College Housing for additional information on how you can make this arrangement.
When possible, applying for job shadowing opportunities close to your home city can also help with travel and housing costs.
Will I be able to put the job shadowing experience on my resume?
Yes, you will! Please see a Career Advancement adviser to discuss how you can add your job shadowing experience to your resume.
I don’t have any experience in my field of interest. Can I still get a job shadowing opportunity?
That’s no problem! To apply for a job shadowing opportunity, you only need to show sincere interest in the possibility of a career in the field.
If I receive a winter job shadowing opportunity, can I also apply for them in the spring?
Yes, students who are selected for winter job shadowing opportunities are also eligible for those in the spring.
May I decline the job shadowing opportunity I am offered?
Yes. However, you will only be offered one job shadowing opportunity, so declining this opportunity is also declining to participate in the program.
What If I've already made travel plans?
If you have already made travel plans or have to make travel plans prior to hearing back about your placement, please contact jobshadowing@uchicago.edu so that we are aware of any location restrictions.