–By Sonia Gonzalez Hernandez

The FIU Panther Shadows program is a one-day opportunity for FIU students and alumni to connect with employers, community partners and fellow alumni to observe and learn about professional roles related to majors, degrees and industries of interest. Explore different career possibilities and see firsthand how classroom skills and career competencies apply in the workplace. Meet and network with employers who are ready to hire FIU students and alumni.

Job shadowing allows you to observe the typical workdays of professionals in industries and careers of your interest. This program serves as a form of experiential learning, where you as a participant can see what it is like in a “day in the life” of a professional. This opportunity can also help you get your foot in the door for that competitive job or gain invaluable network and mentorship opportunities.

“FIU Panther Shadows is a great opportunity for recent alumni from any degree to participate and gain experiential learning for the career they are seeking. It is open each semester for current students and alumni. There is no better way of getting a one-day sneak peek into your career opportunities,” said Elery Rojas, a career specialist and assistant director of internships for employer engagement at FIU’s Career and Talent Development.

Typically, between 10 and 25 employers participate in the FIU Panther Shadows program each semester. Students and alumni can apply through Handshake, FIU’s career portal, by searching for postings containing the phrase FIUShadows.  Many of these postings allow multiple students to be accepted and are offered as in-person or virtual events. Alumni should have an updated resume uploaded to their Handshake account and apply to one or two FIUShadows postings that appeal to them.

Many of the students and alumni who participate in the Panther Shadows programs make such a great impression on their employer hosts that they are considered for future internship and full-time job opportunities. This is not just a chance for you to test out a career or company, but also a chance for an employer to test you out and imagine you on their team. By participating, you get in front of actively recruiting employers and gain invaluable networking experience.

The next FIU Panther Shadows session in Fall 2021 will take place virtually and in-person, immediately preceding the end of the semester, Dec. 13 – 16, 2021. To learn more about participating as an alumnus or serving as a host, click here.