Employer microexperiences

Work shadowing

Work shadowing allows you to observe someone in the workplace, carrying out their day-to-day job. Lasting usually only a few days or a few hours per week, it brings a job to life and gelps you to decide if it is right for you.

What are the benefits?

  • Gain insight into a role, employer, or industry you are interested in
  • Helping out will make a good impression on the host and therefore may improve your chances of success if you decide to apply for a job there when you graduate
  • It is a great networking opportunity - speak to ask many people as you can and connect with them on LinkedIn afterwards
  • Shows your motivation which, in competitive sectors, can really make you stand out

Issues to consider

Work shadowing may not be possible in all jobs due to issues such as confidentiality or health and safety. If you cannot shadow your target role, then consider shadowing other roles in that workplace. This will still give a useful insight and allow you to come into contact with people in your tartget role or industry.

There may be background checks that need to be completed in advance. For example, if it is a role where you come into contact with children or vulnerable people, you will need to complete a disclosure form, which can take some time to be processed.

Making it happen

Insight programmes

What are these?

Insight programmes (sometimes called open days, insight weeks, spring weeks and similar) are short introductions to a profession and/or employer. They usually involve visiting an employer’s office and meeting and networking with the people there - everyone from interns through to senior executives.  

You’ll attend a variety of talks and presentations exploring the employer and different aspects of the profession. You may also get to take part in case studies or shadow a professional to better understand the work. The graduate recruitment team may offer careers advice and application tips. 

Insight programmes are usually aimed at early-years and held in the autumn or spring and can last from a few days to a couple of weeks. 

Insight days don’t tend to be paid, as you’re not employed, or completing significant work for the organisation. They usually cover expenses such as travel and lunch (however this is on a case by case basis). Opportunities which last a week or longer are more likely to offer payment but again are on a case by case basis. 

These pre-internship experiences are popular in areas such as: investment banking, professional services, law, accountancy, consulting and the Civil Service. They are becoming more commonplace across other sectors.

What are the benefits?

Many employers use insight programmes, days and weeks as a route into their other work experience opportunities, so if you impress, you may be offered a place on an internship or placement year (or be encouraged to apply for one). 

You can put them on your CV and applications to demonstrate:

  • Commercial awareness
  • Understanding of company and industry culture
  • Evidence of your motivation

This activity helps you develop strong labour market knowledge which enables you to make informed career decisions. You make real-life contacts which you can use to arrange further work shadowing or add to your professional network.

Are they open to first and second years?

It depends! Some will be open to first years, but many will be targeted towards second years in Scotland as we have the four-year degree. Read the detail of the eligibility as although they may state the opportunity is for first-year students, this often refers to the three-year degree structure in England. Always check with the employer. 

When is the best time to apply?

Application windows vary and can open between September and March. It is best to apply early and be aware of the deadlines for the opportunity you are interested in.

Engaging with UofG Alumni

Our alumni community on LinkedIn has thousands of members who are all there voluntarily to support each other, current students and graduates. There's also a dedicated group for UofG students and alumni. Use the community as a database of potential connections to: 

  • Try find a mentor - you will meet experienced professionals and experts in your sector who can pass on tips and insights
  • You may hear about opportunities that aren't public yet. Many jobs aren’t advertised and even if you are not networked directly with the person responsible for hiring, there’s still a good chance that someone in your network will have the opportunity to make a recommendation
  • Get insider information about your industry, the culture, it’s future and challenges whilst learning about new trends and best practice