BOBCATshadow Student Information

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Shadow a Professional for a Day!

The BOBCATshadow program connects students with employers, community partners, and TXST alumni for a one-day behind-the-scenes experience learning from professionals in a selected career field or industry.

Benefits of Participating

  • Conduct informational interviews with a variety of employees
  • Participate in a guided tour of the facility
  • Attend meetings or organizational events
  • Observe and ask questions while shadowing daily tasks
  • Participate during interactions with clients Meet new hires or current interns
  • Meet TXST Alumni at the company
  • Learn about career/internship opportunities within the organization

2025-2026 SHADOW DATES:

SUMMER - AUGUST 20 & 21
WINTER - DECEMBER 17 & 18
SPRING - MARCH 11 & 12

*To see all photos and feedback from hosts and student participants: search #bobcatshadow on LinkedIn*

The firsthand, intimate experience that was arranged was very special. My fellow Bobcats and I were able to lead a lot of the conversation. We were able to break through on a personal level and talk about other career opportunities within Texas Parks and Wildlife and alternative skills that would benefit our career paths moving forward.

How to Participate

Keep a lookout in your inbox for updates on when the applications open

Login to Handshake with your netID and password

Search for "Texas State University - Career Services" to view shadow postings that are listed as "experiential learning" (i.e shadow opportunities) or simply follow this link below.

View jobs posted by Texas State University that begin with "BOBCATshadow"

Follow the instructions on the posting and apply!

*Please note that BOBCATshadow is a recurring program, so if you miss the application deadline, don’t worry—there will be more opportunities to apply in future sessions!*

*SUMMER Timeline
July 1 SUMMER BOBCATshadow Applications Open
July 25 Applications close for SUMMER BOBCATshadow
August 20 & 21 Participate in your SUMMER shadow day!
*WINTER Timeline
October 17 Winter BOBCATshadow Applications Open
November 17 Applications close for WINTER BOBCATshadow
December 17 & 18 Participate in your WINTER shadow day!
*SPRING Timeline
January 16 SPRING BOBCATshadow Applications Open
February 16 SPRING BOBCATshadow Applications Close
March 11& 12 Participate in your SPRING shadow day!
Expand FAQ List

  • Ready to participate in BOBCATshadow? Follow the steps below.

    1. Login to Handshake with your netID and password
    2. Upload your resume to your profile
    3. Search for "Texas State University - Career Services" to view all shadow opportunities that are listed as "jobs" (i.e shadow opportunities) or simply follow this link above.
    4. View jobs posted by Texas State University that begin with "BOBCATshadow"
    5. Apply to each individual opportunity that interest you and that you are available to attend.

    *It is highly recommended that you have your resume reviewed by Career Services prior to uploading it.  Career Services offers a resume review or see us during drop-ins Monday – Friday 10:00  am – 3:00 pm.

  • Each host will create their own experience for students.  However, below are the most common practices for shadowing: 

    • Conduct informational interviews with a variety of employees
    • Participate in a guided tour of the facility
    • Attend meetings or organizational events
    • Observe and ask questions while shadowing daily tasks
    • Participate during interactions with clients
    • Meet and greet college hires or current interns
    • Lunch with Alumni at the company
    • Learn about career/internship opportunities within the organization

  • Mandatory Orientation

    All BOBCATshadow participants must complete a MANDATORY orientation prior to their shadow experience. This orientation will be held virtually.

    Program Evaluation

    After each BOBCATshadow program session, both the BOBCATshadow Student Participant and Host will evaluate their experience with the shadow program. Each Student Participant will receive an emailed survey within 3-4 business days after the shadow session concludes.

    The BOBCATshadow student participant will evaluate the following:

    • Overall experience with BOBCATshadow Hosts
    • Satisfactory level of information learned towards making an informed career decision
    • Communication of the BOBCATshadow Program
    • Areas for feedback and improvement

  • FAQ

    • Students are encouraged to apply for the BOBCATshadow opportunities that truly interest you based on industry/job preference and ones that you are available to participate.

    • In the event a student is not matched with a shadow experience, we encourage students to consider applying during our other sessions since our program operates on a recurring basis. Many of our employers often participates in future sessions, so even if a student is not matched this time, there’s a chance they could be matched in the upcoming sessions. 

    • By applying to any BOBCATshadow opportunity, you are committing to the experience and the shadow host.  If a student participant is unable to follow through on their commitment for any reason, the student participant MUST notify Career Services within 3 business days of their shadow experience.  Except in the case of extenuating circumstances, canceling after this window will prohibit a student from participating in a future BOBCATshadow program session.