Work Shadowing Programme
Applications for our Work Shadowing Programme are now open. Don’t miss the opportunity to network!
What is the Work Shadowing Programme?
Work shadowing is a great programme. I’m not just saying this because I’ve run the program for the last few years, it’s had some wonderful results that positively impacted so many students before you.
Work shadowing is an informal but professional networking opportunity for students to meet alumni, parents, and other people connected to the University of St Andrews to learn more about possible career paths. We have people all around the world in all stages of their careers and this program is one way to take advantage of the possibilities this opens! Work shadowing happens over different lengths of time, from a phone call to a week of shadowing, and now happens in person or virtually. The program has had positive feedback throughout my time at the University and I’m so excited it’s now a possibility to shadow in person again!
Student feedback
Students have described the experience as motivating, a great insight into their intended field, and a wonderful way to learn. Specifically, Ella Handy, class of 2022, completed four shadowings and said:
“Work shadowing has been one of the best extracurriculars I’ve undertaken whilst studying at St. Andrews. I’ve taken part in four placements so far of varying lengths. One of these occurred before the pandemic, when I was lucky enough to shadow the CEO of Luxinnovation, a company that works with the government of Luxembourg to increase investment and innovation in the country. During this placement, the alumnus I was shadowing kindly let me stay with her, and I attended high level meetings involving the government of Luxembourg, and it was during one of these that I met the Crown Prince!
My three other placements have taken place over the past year, and despite taking place virtually, I’ve gained a great deal of knowledge from them. Many of my questions regarding working within both the public and private sector have been answered, and I’ve learnt how to network virtually. I’ve been really surprised by how eager everyone is to help and by how many people have put me in touch with additional contacts of theirs – it was through such networking that I managed to gain a month- long work shadowing placement at a consultancy this summer.
I will definitely apply for the scheme again this year and encourage everyone to do the same!”
Applications now open
Work shadowing is happening again this year with applications opening the week of 4 October and closing 5 November.
Winter Work Shadowing should happen after exams are completed and before the next term begins on 17 January 2022.
You can apply for up to three work shadowing openings and can shadow as many as you are accepted for! This means the shadowing doesn’t have to be limited to one experience per semester.
Our hosts go through the applications themselves to choose the students who will shadow them. The application process includes submitting a CV and covering letter to CareerConnect as well as a five-minute interview check with me to make sure we’re sending complete applications to the hosts! It is a self-funded program if traveling is involved but this is not always necessary since the pandemic has opened virtual ways of connecting with others.
I hope you’ll check out some of the hundreds of amazing opportunities in all different fields and all around the world to shadow and network with the connections from your university!
Check out the Work Shadowing Winter 2021 opportunities
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me – [email protected]