My Tri-C
My Tri-C Student Resources News & Events Corporate College Alumni Give
Paying for College Apply Visit

Getting Started

Whether you want to earn a degree, improve your skills, get certified, train for a new career, or explore a new hobby, you can choose from many programs and courses.

Get Started
What type of student are you?
New Student
Returning
Transfer
Visiting
International
College Credit Plus
Non-Credit
All Student Types

Classes & Programs

Explore your interests and find a program that puts you on the path to a bright future. Tri-C offers both credit and non-credit courses as well as certificate programs in most career fields.

View all programs

Degree Programs & Certificates

More than 1,000 credit courses are offered each semester in more than 200 career and technical programs. Tri-C also grants short-term certificates, certificates of proficiency and post-degree professional certificates.

View A-Z Program List

Workforce Training & Professional Development

Tri-C's Workforce Training provides both non-credit and credit training for individuals and businesses to assist individuals with skills leading to employment. Tri-C's Corporate College provides professional development and corporate training opportunities.

Learn more

Community Programming for Adults & Youth

Tri-C offers a variety of affordable and convenient community programs for both adults and youth. These programs are designed to promote individual development.

Learn more

Request Info

Tri-C is here for you. Have a question about a program or service? We'll help you find the answer.

Ask a Question

Live Chat

Chat live with college departments and services.

Start live chat

Tri-C 24/7

Outside of business hours? Get answers to your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Student Support Services

Ask Tri-C

Get answers to your frequently asked questions from navigating the website to programs and services.

Get Answers

Getting Started

Whether you want to earn a degree, improve your skills, get certified, train for a new career, or explore a new hobby, you can choose from many programs and courses.

Get Started
What type of student are you? New Student Returning Transfer Visiting International College Credit Plus Non-Credit All Student Types

Classes & Programs

Explore your interests and find a program that puts you on the path to a bright future. Tri-C offers both credit and non-credit courses as well as certificate programs in most career fields.

View all programs

Degree Programs & Certificates

More than 1,000 credit courses are offered each semester in more than 200 career and technical programs. Tri-C also grants short-term certificates, certificates of proficiency and post-degree professional certificates.

View A-Z Program List

Workforce Training & Professional Development

Tri-C's Workforce Training provides both non-credit and credit training for individuals and businesses to assist individuals with skills leading to employment. Tri-C's Corporate College provides professional development and corporate training opportunities.

Learn more

Community Programming for Adults & Youth

Tri-C offers a variety of affordable and convenient community programs for both adults and youth. These programs are designed to promote individual development.

Learn more
Paying for College
Apply
Visit

Request Info

Tri-C is here for you. Have a question about a program or service? We'll help you find the answer.

Ask a Question

Live Chat

Chat live with college departments and services.

Start live chat

Tri-C 24/7

Outside of business hours? Get answers to your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Student Support Services

Ask Tri-C

Get answers to your frequently asked questions from navigating the website to programs and services.

Get Answers
Student Resources News & Events Corporate College Alumni Give

Experiential Learning (Intern/Co-op/Job Shadow)

Career Services Home Experiential Learning Cooperative Education (Co-op) Cooperative Education FAQs Internship Program Job Shadowing Summer Internship Program
  • Tri-C Home
  • »
  • Career Services
  • »
  • Student Career Services
  • »
  • Experiential Learning (Intern/Co-op/Job Shadow)
  • »
  • Job Shadowing

Job Shadowing

What is Job Shadowing?

Job Shadowing is an educational activity in which students spend time learning about a specific job or industry. They interact with professionals on the job while observing actual operations and procedures and gain an understanding of the company’s culture. The primary focus is to explore potential career interests.

Job Shadowing is for observation ONLY! It is an informative opportunity to gain valuable information about potential career paths and fields of study that might be suitable for them to pursue.

Job Shadowing is a great way to align educational and career goals. 

What are the benefits?

Through job shadowing, students will be exposed to real-world learning. A job shadow experience gives students the opportunity to:

  • gain exposure to career paths and make informed course and career decisions
  • gain insight into a “day in the life” of a specific occupation and culture within an organization
  • ask specific questions that they may have about a particular field, the requisite skills and experience needed to succeed in a particular job
  • build industry awareness
  • obtain knowledge that comes only from being in the job setting
  • link textbook knowledge and skills acquired in class and apply it directly to the real world of work
  • establish a network of professional mentors
  • set the path to an internship

Who can participate?

The program is intended for students that are currently enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College, and working toward a degree or certificate. Students must also be in good academic standing.

What might I do while job shadowing?

During this one-day job shadow experience, the host will provide students with a look at the world of work. Some of the activities that a job shadow host may have a student engage in are:

  • conduct an informational meeting to discuss career paths, educational credentials and experience, industry needs and trends, culture of the organization, training and professional organizations
  • observe general office tasks
  • attend staff or committee meetings or presentations
  • provide a tour of the workplace
  • observe client interactions experience employee demonstrations of industry-specific software or tools
  • review the department’s website, mission, marketing collateral, organizational charts

Student Responsibilities

Upon the notification of the match, the host is responsible for making the initial contact with the student to arrange a mutually agreed upon date and time for the shadow experience. When you receive the call from the host, be prepared to introduce yourself, such as your major or program of interest, and job shadowing goals.

In advance of the job shadow experience, students are also encouraged to prepare a list of informational interview questions (sample questions will be provided to you by the Career Center Staff). Students should self-assess and be prepared to discuss their academic background, activities, skills and experiences. Additionally, in order to ensure a quality experience, students should research the field/industry, and research the department/organizations website. Moreover, students must dress in professional attire.

During the job shadow experience, students should listen, express their interest, and show enthusiasm and appreciation. Following the job shadow experience, students are encouraged to send a brief note or email to thank the host. Additionally, students will be sent an online evaluation survey to gauge their perception of the job shadow experience, and alignment with learning outcomes.

What to take to the job shadow experience?

Students are encouraged to take the following:

  • Pen and notebook or electronic tablet (iPad)
  • List of questions to ask the host
  • Research materials
  • Money to cover soda/snacks, lunch and any additional expenses
  • Resume (optional)

Tips for a Successful Job Shadow Day

  • Be timely. Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
  • Learn what education and experience is needed, career paths, industry trends, professional organizations, and what it may be like to work in the host’s field.
  • Observe actively. Note as much about the environment as possible, such as other workers, the manner in which interactions with colleagues and customers, and the general pace.
  • Ask questions to clarity what you are observing and to learn more about the professional’s career progression.
  • Take brief notes, if possible, but do not write everything down. Keep in mind that anything you hear or see may be confidential and keep it that way.
  • If you are asked to work on a project, feel free to ask basic instructions and gain clarification of host’s expectations.
  • If host offers to take you out to lunch, that is fine, but do not expect it and be prepared to feed yourself.
  • Be yourself, relax, listen and learn.
  • Ask the host for a business card for future follow-up.
  • Enjoy the job shadow experience.

 

Virtual Job Shadow
Online Job Shadowing

________________________________________

How to reach us

East:
216-987-2567
4250 Richmond Road
Room ESS 1103
Highland Hills, OH 44122

Metro:
216-987-4913
2900 Community College
Room MSS 207
Cleveland, OH 44115         

West:
216-987-5575
11000 W. Pleasant Valley
Room WSS G200
Parma, OH 44130

 

--------

Westshore: 
216-987-5031 
31001 Clemens Road
Room WHCS 135A
Westlake, OH 44145

Brunswick: 
216-987-5575
3605 Center Road
Room 121
Brunswick, OH 44212

Career Center, Toll Free
866-933-5180

Email
CareerServices@tri-c.edu 

© 2021 Cuyahoga Community College
700 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Quick Links

Employment at Tri-C
my Tri-C space
Athletics
Blackboard
Bookstore
Course Search
College Catalog
Library
Technical Support
Transcripts

About Tri-C

About
President's Office
Accreditation
Administrative Departments
Accessibility
Board of Trustees
Diversity & Inclusion
Student Consumer Information
Title IX Equal Opportunity
Privacy Policy

Campus Locations

Map & Directions
Parking
Campus Police

Connect With Us

Visit Tri-C
Request Information
Phone Directory
Tri-C 24/7
Ask Tri-C
Live Chat
Tri-C 216-987-6000 Corporate College 216-987-2800