The Lute Job Shadow Program allows alumni to help shape the future of a PLU student by giving them the opportunity to participate in a one-day job shadow experience at an alumni’s place of work. This can be done virtually or in-person. It also provides students with a vital opportunity to build a professional connection, explore career paths, experience a new work environment, and observe skills and tasks.
The job shadow application has closed for 2023.
Timeline
November: Alumni start applying through LuteLink and indicate hosting availability.
December: Students start applying to program through LuteLink.
January: Alumni & Student Connections reviews applications and creates matches. Students & alumni are notified of matches.
J-Term Break: Job shadows take place one day during this week (matches will work together to choose the date).
How it works
We invite alumni to indicate their interest and availability to host a student(s) by registering for the program.
Once alumni hosts are identified, students will be invited to review the available job shadow opportunities and indicate the three that they are most interested in.
The Alumni & Student Connections team then matches students with job shadow opportunities, communicating with both the alumni and student(s).
Please note: Space is limited and matches are not guaranteed, but we will make every effort to provide matches where interests align. Also, alumni and students may be matched outside of industry interests.
Alumni Host FAQs
PLU asks that alumni hosts have students shadow employees as they move throughout their normal responsibilities so they can get a true feel for a typical work day in the organization. Our students’ interests are varied and we welcome a range of industries, organizations, and roles.
Examples of activities for students during the job shadowing experience include:
- Conduct informational interviews with a variety of employees
- Participate in a guided tour of the facility
- Attend meetings or organizational events
- Observe and ask questions while shadowing daily tasks
- Participate during interactions with clients
- Meet current interns or recent hires and learn about entry-level programs
- Lunch with alumni and employees
- Discuss identity in the workplace and how career decisions are related to identity
- Participate in a project, task, or research
Whatever activities are selected, PLU recommends that alumni communicate an itinerary or outline of the day’s activities to the student.
Please provide your matched student(s) with the following information:
Organization name:
Contact name, email, phone number:
Date:
Arrival Time:
Departure Time:
Address or virtual meeting link:
Parking information (if in-person):
Meal information (or indication that student should bring lunch):
Dress code:
Special instructions and/or waivers needed:
Itinerary:
For the 2023 Lute Job Shadow Program, we welcome both virtual and in-person job shadow experiences. Students will be able to view the modality and indicate their preference in the matching process. We also understand that circumstances may change! Should you need to shift the modality, contact the ASC team at career@plu.edu.
Virtual job shadows are a relatively new way to connect. In a virtual job shadow, it is important to intentionally plan a variety of activities. Examples of activities for the job shadow include, joining virtual meetings to see client or coworker interactions, observing your work with screen-sharing, and conducting informational interviews with a variety of people at the organization. For support developing an itinerary, contact Alumni & Student Connections at career@plu.edu.
Students will be ready to learn, ask questions, observe, and participate. The program is designed to provide students with exposure to the field, and they may not have relevant job or internship experience. For some students, this will be their first time in a professional setting. For others, this will build on their insight and previous experiences.
The job shadow is an unpaid experiential learning opportunity.
If your organization requires an NDA or waiver, we can coordinate the agreement. Students will be made aware that this will be a requirement of the shadowing experience. Contact Alumni & Student Connections at career@plu.edu for more information.
Student Participant FAQs
The Lute Job Shadow Program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students, including all class years.
Participating in a job shadow may:
- Provide the opportunity to explore and clarify career goals
- Gain insight into the culture of an organization and the day-to-day experience of a specific job
- Identify valuable skills and knowledge needed for a specific career
- Expand your network of professional contacts
Students shadow employees as they move throughout their normal responsibilities so they can get a true feel for a typical work day in the organization.
Examples of activities for students during the job shadowing experience include:
- Conduct informational interviews with a variety of employees
- Participate in a guided tour of the facility
- Attend meetings or organizational events
- Observe and ask questions while shadowing daily tasks
- Participate during interactions with clients
- Meet current interns or recent hires and learn about entry-level programs
- Lunch with alumni and employees
- Discuss identity in the workplace and how career decisions are related to identity
- Participate in a project, task, or research
No, job shadows are unpaid experiences.
Alumni & Student Connections reviews all applications and matches students and alumni. If a match is made, we will notify you and provide you with the alumni’s contact information. We will also provide the alumni with your contact information. It is important that you contact the alumni introducing yourself. They will provide you with further details and the itinerary.
If you are not matched, there are additional ways to connect with PLU alumni:
- Explore LuteLink to connect with alumni who want to share their experience and knowledge
- Connect with Career Advisors to discuss using LinkedIn and other resources to connect with alumni
- Schedule an appointment with one of our Career Advisors through the Opportunities Board