Observing a professional in the workplace can help students to understand and gain an insight into a job role and organisation. Work Shadowing provides an opportunity for students to experience the realities of a professional environment within a certain industry, and to question and learn from professionals to help inform their career and plan their next steps. 

Imperial College London Work Shadowing Scheme

The Imperial College Work Shadowing Scheme aims to offer a short but rich experience for students, while not demanding a great deal of time from the host. Hosts can sign up to offer one or both of the following experiences;

Work Shadowing Day (in-person) – involves one or more students visiting you in your place of work for a minimum of one full day. The experience may include; office/department tours, observing you in the delivery of your role, sitting in on meetings or client interactions where appropriate, an opportunity for a Q&A session, sector/organisational insights and example tasks/projects.

Work Shadowing Conversation (online) – involves meeting a student for a one-to-one online careers conversation. We recommend that this includes; an overview of your career journey to date, insight into your organisation/department, a day in the life explanation of your role, insights into the skills required for your role/sector, application and recruitment hints and tips.

Please note, students place high value on spending time in a physical work environment and we would encourage potential hosts to offer this option if possible. The scheme is open to all first year undergraduate students studying STEM subjects at Imperial College however priority is given to students from low-participation groups. The scheme is not intended to be a recruitment activity. 

Register as a host

The Imperial College Work Shadowing Scheme runs twice a year during the Spring and Summer vacation periods. 
 
Register your interest in hosting one or more students for a work shadowing experience in 2024. 

If you have any questions about the scheme please contact workshadowing@imperial.ac.uk.