Freshman/Sophomore Job Shadow Scholarship Program

Beginning in Summer 2009, Indiana State University, sponsored by the Lilly Endowment, will be offering a select number of competitive $500 scholarships to Freshmen and sophomores upon completion of job shadow experience. The Job Shadow Scholarship can only be awarded once per student.

Application Deadline

What is Job Shadowing?

Job Shadowing is a motivating activity designed to give students a once in a life-time chance of an up-close look at the world of work and provide the answer to one question, “Does this career interest me?” During the experience, the student will “shadow” a workplace mentor as they go through their normal routine for no more than 150 hours during the summer. Job Shadowing is a valuable tool for career awareness and exploration.

Job Shadowing is the way to find out if your academic preparation can be utilized in particular jobs. The program invites you to see firsthand how the skills learned in school relate to the workplace. It provides you with a look into the professional arena at the beginning of your academic career.

Job shadowing activities may include (but are not limited to):

• Observation
• Short-term projects
• Office/plant tours
• Attendance at meetings or other social functions, etc

Program Objectives

• Provide students with hands-on professional experience early in their academic career
• Provide professional mentoring
• Provide the opportunity for students to focus on their professional goals

What are the Benefits?

• Allows employers the opportunity to interact with students early in their academic career
• Allows employers and students the time to create mentoring relationships
• Allows employers to directly influence young professionals in a positive and constructive manner
• Creates a pipeline for possible internship opportunities

Requirements

• Currently enrolled student at ISU
• Classified as a Freshman or Sophomore with less than 62 credit hours
• 2.0 GPA
• Be in good judicial standing with the University
• Experience must be in Indiana
• Completion of a total of 75 hours
• Must have a faculty sponsor
• Must have an employer mentor in an administrative role (approval of employer mentor must be made by Career Center staff before beginning job shadowing experience)
• Completion of a Job Shadow Student Reflection paper
• Completion of weekly journal entries
• Completion of a thank you letter to the site supervisor

Application Process

• Complete Job Shadowing application: Job Shadowing Application
• Attach a cover letter and a copy of the job description of the primary person you will be shadowing (this is the same person that will complete the evaluation form at the end of the job shadow)
• Bring all required paperwork to the Career Center for processing

Other Documents and Information

• Job Shadow Student Reflection paper guidelines
• Checklist