Looking to explore a career before committing to it?
Designed for university students, these experiences allow you to observe day-to-day responsibilities, understand how teams operate, and gain exposure to a specific industry. Whether you are considering future career paths or preparing for internships and graduate roles, this is a practical way to build confidence and clarity. Organisations may vary in size and sector, offering exposure to different working environments and career paths.
Why work shadowing matters
Choosing a career path can feel overwhelming, especially when many roles look similar on paper. Work shadowing helps bridge that gap by allowing you to experience a role in context.
You will gain insight into how work actually gets done, what skills are valued in practice, and how professionals navigate challenges and collaborate with others. This experience can help you identify what excites you, what suits your strengths, and what you may want to explore further.
What is work shadowing?
Work shadowing is a short-term, observational experience where you will follow a professional during their working day to gain insight into their role and the wider organisation. The focus is on learning through observation, discussion, and exposure to real workplace activities.
- Observe day-to-day tasks and responsibilities within a professional role
- Attend meetings, briefings, or team discussions where appropriate
- Gain an understanding of how teams collaborate and make decisions
- Ask questions to learn more about the role, organisation, and industry
- Develop awareness of workplace expectations and professional behaviour
Some opportunities may include light, supervised tasks depending on the organisation, but the primary focus is on observation and learning.
What you can gain
Work shadowing is designed to help you better understand potential career paths and develop confidence in a professional environment. Perks of work shadowing include:
- Insight into a specific role and industry
- Exposure to real workplace environments and expectations
- Understanding of key skills such as communication, teamwork, and organisation
- Opportunity to build connections with professionals
- Greater confidence when applying for internships or graduate roles
Who is this for?
This opportunity is ideal if you are:
- Currently studying at university (any year group)
- Curious about gaining insight into a professional role
- Strong communication and willingness to engage
- Professional, punctual, and reliable
- Proactive and willing to ask questions
Register your interest to be considered for upcoming work shadowing opportunities.
