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Cal Job Shadow Program

Berkeley Career Engagement’s Job Shadow Program allows new and underrepresented students at Cal explore their career direction by shadowing you at your workplace during Winter Break. This long standing program is offered in partnership with the Cal Alumni Association.

An Externship is an educational opportunity for students, during which they gain insightful experience in a professional environment, have the chance to explore a career area to which they might otherwise not have exposure, and build their professional network.

The Cal Job Shadow Program will return in Spring 2024. Please check timeline dates below!

By hosting an Extern, you can

  • Assist a Cal student (we target first year students and sophomores) with their career development
  • Share your expertise and knowledge about work and careers
  • Build Cal Community through relationships with Berkeley students who may someday be employees or colleagues
  • Increase brand recognition and a possible pipeline for future opportunities at your organization

Who Should Participate?

  • Cal Alumni

How Do I Get Started?

  • Watch this video to learn how you can get started to host an Extern.

What is an Externship (job shadow experience)?

  • Job Shadows are short work experiences that place during Spring Break
  • They can last from one day to two weeks and be virtual or in-person
  • Students observe the day-to-day activities of the Alumni Host and follow them on meetings, business activities, and other learning opportunities
  • Students may provide very limited assistance with projects or tasks to help acquaint them with the organization
  • Students do not receive academic credit or pay but are encouraged to network and build connections for future internships or jobs.

Externships By the Numbers

Over 4,250 …students have externed since 1999
94% …students who found the externship experience to have a dynamic impact on their future career plans
69% …externs who received leads for internships or employment
94% …sponsors who said they would be willing to host an extern again
2700 …participating sponsors who have made the Externship Program what it is today
24 …years the Externship Program has been connecting Cal students and alumni

Job Shadow Externship Timeline

TIMELINE PERIOD OPENS PERIOD CLOSES
Externship Opens to Students Nov Jan
Student Favoriting Period Jan Feb
Matching Jan Feb
Job Shadow Experience March 25, 2024 March 29, 2024

Resources to get you started