Work shadowing

The Careers Centre’s work shadowing scheme, open to all students, lets you find out more about the world of work, by observing alumni, friends and staff of the University of St Andrews doing their job. It can also be good preparation for an internship. 

Experiences are usually in person and last one or two days. There are opportunities in a wide variety of industries and roles across the world.  

Since you don’t work as part of the scheme, work shadowing is unpaid.  

Applying 

All work shadowing matches and communication happens through Saint Connect, the University of St Andrews’ global, online community for students, alumni and friends of the University.  

If you do not have a Saint Connect account, you will need to join Saint Connect to participate in work shadowing. 

1. Alumni and friends of St Andrews submit a description of the work shadowing opportunity they can offer to the Connections and Mentoring section of Saint Connect. 
2. You search for opportunities that match your aims and interests. 
3. When you find an opportunity you like, you submit a tailored cover letter and CV through the work shadowing programme on Saint Connect.  
4. The host reviews the applications they receive and contacts the student they would like to offer the opportunity to.  
5. All details of the opportunity, such as date, time, and itinerary, are confirmed between the host and you.  

The Careers Centre suggests that you do work shadowing during vacations or quieter times, such as outside exam periods and coursework deadlines.