Undergraduate Job Shadow Program
The Fisher Undergraduate Job Shadow Program connects undergraduate business students with Fisher alumni and business professionals for a one-on-one job shadowing experience. Hosts provide students with firsthand exposure to their organization, career path, and day-to-day responsibilities, helping students explore career interests and build professional connections. This program takes place at various company locations throughout Ohio during The Ohio State University breaks. Contact Noella Mascarenhas, Senior Career Advisor, at mascarenhas.27@osu.edu with questions.
Information for Employers
| Academic Break | Dates | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Break | Thursday, October 15, 2026 and Friday, October 16, 2026 | Submit Registration by Friday, August 28, 2026 |
| Spring Break | Monday, March 15, 2027 - Friday, March 19, 2027 | Submit Registration by Friday, January 30, 2027 |
Job Shadow Host Eligibility:
We welcome participation from:
Fisher College of Business alumni
Employer partners and industry professionals
Individuals working in business-related roles who are interested in mentoring undergraduate students
Hosts should have at least one year of professional experience and a willingness to engage in meaningful career conversation with students.
Steps to Participate as a Job Shadow Host
Review Job Shadow Host Eligibility and Job Shadow Host Guide
Determine details for the Job Shadow experience
Job role(s)
Available dates to participate
Review all 11 business specializations
Number of students to hosts (no more than 3 students per professional)
Complete the Job Shadow Host Registration Form
- Registration Form
This form collects information about your organization, role, and proposed job shadow experience, which will be used to promote your opportunity to students.
Posting and Promotion of Your Opportunity
- The Office of Career Management will post your job shadow opportunity as an “event” in Handshake, where undergraduate business students will apply by submitting their resumes.
Our office will also promote your opportunity to the undergraduate student population through newsletters, targeted email communications, and other outreach efforts.
Student Application Review and Selection
- Once the application window closes, all applicants will be reviewed in Handshake and selected based on alignment with your role, industry, and availability.
Student Communication Responsibilities
- Hosts are responsible for communicating decisions to selected participants in a timely and professional manner.
Coordinate the Job Shadow Experience
After selections are made, you will connect directly with selected student(s) to confirm logistics and provide additional details regarding the experience.
Information for Students
Student Participation Requirements
Must be a first-year through junior undergraduate business students
Must be available during business hours on the day of shadow
Must arrange transportation to employer site
Must create Handshake profile and upload resume to profile
Application Process
All job shadow opportunities are promoted on Handshake under “Events” section with the keywords “Fisher Job Shadow”
Make sure you upload your most recent resume on Handshake
Fall Break Job Shadow: Applications open during August – September 2026
Spring Break Job Shadow: Application open January – February 2027
Apply by deadline listed on the job shadow details
Mandatory Preparation
Students will be required to complete the pre-job shadow preparation session, which will serve as a final confirmation of your participation*
Complete student agreement form sent via email
Complete Pre-Job Shadow task on FisherU
*Not completing the steps above will withdraw your participation from the Fisher Undergraduate Job Shadow event
Arrive on time – Student participants are responsible for transportation to and from the site. Have the job shadow employer’s number or email available in case you are running late. Confirm location and parking details ahead of time.
Be present – Be attentive during your job shadow experience to the professionals you interact with and the activities the job shadow hosts’ have planned during your visit. Observe the workplace culture and the workplace setup.
Be professional – Make sure you follow the expected dress code the job shadow host outlines for student participants. Ensure you shake hands with the recruiter or the professionals you are introduced to. Practice good eye contact while interacting with professionals during the job shadow visit.
Be curious - Ask questions you have prepared for the recruiter or the professionals you meet during your experience. Example questions to consider asking the Job Shadow hosts and the alumni you may meet during your visit;
How do you balance your work responsibilities?
What are the most interesting parts of your work (or work what motivates you)?
What skills do you use on a regular basis, or do you find are the most important for your role?
If you could give only one piece of advice to a current undergraduate student seeking a career such as yours, what would that advice be?
Resumes – print few copies of your resume and have a digital version ready to share with the recruiter. Some job shadow hosts identify talent for internship and fulltime opportunities by your participation in this program.
Feedback and evaluation
Students will complete a short survey along with reflection questions.
Reflection and insights
Meet with career advisor to include the job shadow experience in the resume.
Next steps
Students will send a thank you note to their host company via an email or a LinkedIn Message. Please review the samples below and the Thank You Note guide.