About the BBA Career Shadowing Program (CSP)

The BBA Career Shadowing Program’s overall purpose is to increase career and industry awareness. Participants have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of connecting a major to a career. Participants are able to network with business professionals, observe operations, and experience an organization’s culture. The program promotes a learning environment by linking working professionals to students and assisting students in making decisions regarding their career. This allows students to gather information on organizations, industries, and careers.

What to Expect

• Participants will have the opportunity to observe a working professional in their environment to gain a better understanding of business processes. Shadowing in different areas could open up new interests for students.
• Students will have the opportunity to explore different career fields and industries which can help clarify future career interests and help to start building relationships with working professionals. Also, meeting with people from different divisions can help students narrow down what roles appeal to them.
• Career shadowing helps to connect students with potential mentors in a chosen field.  
• Networking opportunities within industry/company; potentially with young professionals and recent alumni
• Participants are introduced to real word experiences through which they can learn personal experiences from recent alumni.
• During career shadowing, students can learn about options for career development and leadership opportunities within an organization. Students can hear firsthand what future aspirations professionals have in those positions.
• Students will have the opportunity to put academic learning into practice.
• Participants will be able to obtain company insight to help better prepare for the interviewing process.
• Career shadowing gives participants the opportunity to conduct informal interviews with those whom they are shadowing for the day. Asking questions, including questions which aren’t specifically related to a position, can help students gain a better understanding of what is expected of them after graduating from college.

Application Process

The Career Shadowing Program targets undeclared freshman and transfer students, with limited spots available to all current Texas BBA students who are not eligible for graduation within the next two semesters.

Apply

Apply to participate in the Spring 2013 BBA Career Shadowing Program by submitting an application. Please see application deadlines and more information about Spring 2013 Employer Participants below.

Application Deadlines

• Pariveda Solutions Application Deadline: Monday, November 26, 2012
• Altria and BG Group Application Deadline: Monday, February 4, 2013

Spring 2013 Employer Participants

Pariveda Solutions - Friday, January 11, 2013 (Dallas and Houston)

Pariveda Solutions is a national consulting firm focused on career development while operating within a local-office project delivery model. Pariveda Solutions helps clients improve their bottom line through technology strategy and solutions. Their technology solutions include custom software & mobile application development, BI, portals, enterprise content management and cloud computing. Pariveda Solution's focus is simple: build long-term relationships with clients where partnership is a centerpiece by incubating, developing and deploying world-class talent and service to our clients.

Altria - Friday, February 22, 2013 (Austin)

Altria Group is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company and John Middleton. Altria’s Mission is owning and developing financially-disciplined businesses that are leaders in responsibly providing adult tobacco and wine consumers with superior branded products. Altria Group Distribution Company (AGDC) has the unique capacity to provide Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco and John Middleton with essential merchandizing, sales and distribution services through one centralized source.

BG Group - Friday, April 5, 2013 (Houston)

A leading player in the global energy market, BG Group is a dynamic growing business with operations in more than 25 countries over five continents. While our headquarters are in United Kingdom (UK), over 60 percent of the talented professionals who make up the BG team are located outside the UK. Part of BG Group, BG North America (BGNA) is headquartered in Houston. Formed in 2002, BGNA has established itself as the leading player in importation of LNG to the USA. In 2006 BGNA was responsible for 50 percent of all LNG imports into the US. BGNA employs more than 700 people in the Region, out of more than 5,000 worldwide. We have a proud history in all aspects of the energy sector, particularly natural gas, where we have experience across the entire gas chain – from exploration to delivery to the consumer. BG Group is a publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange and is also listed on the US over-the-counter market known as “International OTCQX”.

How to Prepare for the Career Shadowing Program (CSP)

Before the Program

• Attend a required CSP orientation to obtain necessary information about requirements, as well as meet other students who will be participating.
• Research the company
• If representatives are known before meeting, reach out to them (via email) before your visit to establish connection or introduce yourself.
• Plan out questions
• Review daily agenda if applicable
• Plan transportation and map out route if necessary
• Arrive to the employer site early

During the Program

• Dress professionally
• Ask lots of thoughtful questions
• Observe projects or daily tasks.

After the Program

• Write follow up report
• Fill out a program evaluation
• Send a follow up thank you note

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be interviewed by an employer if I participate in the program?

No, but this is a great opportunity to network and do an informational interview while onsite.

Will participation in the Career Shadowing Program lead to an internship or FT position?

Not necessarily. This is a great way to meet professionals within an organization and start conversations with employee who can coach you in the hiring process.

Am I required to attend an Information Session/Orientation?

Yes, participants will attend a required information session/orientation the week prior to your Career Shadowing experience.  Attending a Career Shadowing Program information session/orientation will give you information on what to expect while participating in Career Shadowing. You do not have to attend an advising session with your BBA Career Advisor.

How do I get to the employer site?

Please indicate on the application form if you will need transportation provided for you.  If outside of Austin, transportation will be provided for the group. For students participating in a Career Shadowing visit within Austin, the option to utilize your own transportation may be available. 

What is the time commitment?

This varies by employer. Shadowing will last no longer than one day, but it could be a morning/afternoon or an all day visit.