Help Students in their Career Exploration

Allow a University of Toronto student to job shadow you and/or ask you questions during an informational interview in your workplace! For more than 20 years the Extern Job Shadowing Program has provided students with an opportunity to learn more about a career from experienced professionals like you. You can help students investigate the skills, educational requirements, work environment, and lifestyle that accompany all aspects of your career.

By participating as a host in the Extern Job Shadowing Program, you become a mentor, sharing your insights and experiences with a student during short term placements. You play an active role in educating students about your career field and the workplace.

Placements, depending on your availability, vary in length from one to five days. Informational interviews are also an option when job shadowing activities cannot be conducted. The program takes place during the scheduled February and May program weeks. This year, we are also piloting a June session specifically for the Accounting field. As a host you can choose to provide a placement for one or more students at a time, and can participate in one, two or all three program sessions.

For detailed host information, please refer to the Host Guide.[PDF]

Potential Placement Activities Include:

• shadowing and observing the host and other staff members in their daily work activities
• touring the host's establishment, departments, and facilities
• conducting informational interviews with staff who are at various stages of their career
• observing the work environment and attending meetings
• becoming involved in a small project

Host Benefits

• expose your organization to students and promote your industry
• observe the capabilities and interests of this highly motivated group
• keep abreast of current teaching methods and qualifications
• enjoy the energy and ideas students bring to your business environment
• brand your organization at U of T
• read host and student testimonials

Extern 2013 Program Dates

Session I:	February 19 - 22, 2013
Session II:	April 29 - May 3, 2013

Become a Host

Become a Host by listing your Extern Job Shadowing Program placement opportunity. If you do not have a Career Centre account, register as a 'New User', then at the end of the registration process select 'Become An Extern Host'. If you are already registered with the Career Centre, login and then select 'Your Account', 'Your Extern' from the side bar.

Or contact:

Andrea Tirone
Coordinator, Career Exploration Programs
Tel.: (416) 978-7764
Fax: (416) 978-8020

Already a Host?

Thank you very much for participating in the Extern Job Shadowing Program. For more information on timelines, frequently asked questions by students, and what to expect, please see our Host Guide.[PDF]

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