You Said, Together We Did: New Employee Job Shadow Program applications open March 10-31
(SACRAMENTO)
Applications are open now through March 31 for a new UC Davis Employee Job Shadow Program designed to help staff and academic employees explore career paths, strengthen collaboration and gain a deeper understanding of how work happens across the university and UC Davis Health.
The program connects employees with colleagues and leaders for short term shadowing experiences focused on observation, conversation and professional development. Participants may spend time attending meetings, learning about decision making, or gaining insight into roles they aspire to, all within a flexible structure that respects workload and confidentiality.
Supporting growth through connection
Job shadowing promotes collaboration, transparency and professional growth by creating opportunities for employees to learn directly from one another.
Participants may apply to shadow up to two individuals and, once selected, coordinate shadowing activities during the spring or fall cohort.
The time commitment is up to 15 hours over a three month period, including a virtual kickoff, shadowing experiences and a brief reflection activity.
The program is open to career staff, academic employees and faculty across UC Davis and UC Davis Health who have at least one year of service, meet performance expectations and receive supervisor approval.
Responding to employee feedback
In the UC Davis Employee Experience Survey, employees expressed interest in more opportunities to develop professionally, build confidence in leadership and connect across roles. The Employee Job Shadow Program is one of several actions being taken to respond to that feedback and strengthen institutional learning.
Shadowers are encouraged to approach the experience with clear learning goals, curiosity and respect for professional boundaries. Shadow hosts share insight into their roles, career journeys and the way their units operate, helping foster mutual understanding and a culture of transparency.
What to expect
Shadowing experiences may include observing meetings, informational conversations or learning about projects and workflows. Scheduling is coordinated directly between participants and hosts, with options for virtual, in person or hybrid experiences. The program is intended as a short term learning opportunity and is not a mentoring relationship, performance evaluation or cross training program.
Applications and timelines
Applications for the 2026 cohort are open March 10 through March 31. Selected participants will join either the spring cohort from May through July 2026 or the fall cohort from Sept. through Nov. 2026. Participants are selected by a committee representing Human Resources and Staff Assembly.
Employees interested in exploring new perspectives, building cross campus connections or learning more about different roles are encouraged to apply and review the application rubric before submitting.
