What is Knight Shadow?

The Knight Shadow Program offers students a unique opportunity to explore careers by connecting directly with industry professionals through short-term job shadowing experiences. Hosted during academic breaks in December, March, and August, these experiences are available in both in-person and virtual formats, allowing you to gain exposure to a wide range of industries and career paths while working around your academic schedule.

Through Knight Shadow, you’ll get a firsthand look at what a typical day in a profession can look like while building connections with employers and professionals in your field of interest. While this experience is not for academic credit and is unpaid, it provides valuable insight to help you make informed decisions about your future career. Please note that students are responsible for any associated costs, including meals and travel for in-person experiences.

Inside the Knight Shadow Experience

Each Knight Shadow experience is designed to give you a realistic, behind-the-scenes look at a career field, helping you connect what you’re learning in the classroom to real-world work environments. While every experience varies by organization and industry, you can expect a structured yet interactive opportunity to observe, ask questions, and engage with professionals in your field of interest.

During your experience, you may have the opportunity to:

  • Learn about the organization’s mission, culture, and career pathways
  • Meet and network with professionals, including interns and UCF alumni
  • Observe day-to-day job responsibilities and workplace interactions
  • Attend meetings or team activities
  • Participate in office tours (for in-person experiences)
  • Gain insight into internship and full-time opportunities
  • Receive feedback on your résumé, LinkedIn profile, or other materials
  • Take part in an informational interview to explore specific roles

No matter the format, Knight Shadow is all about exploration—giving you the chance to build connections, ask meaningful questions, and gain clarity on how your interests and skills align with potential career paths.

Get Involved

Registration opens at the beginning of each semester. To explore available opportunities and apply, log in to Handshake and search for Knight Shadow experiences.

For questions or additional information, contact:
Program Manager: Marika Koch (Marika.Koch@ucf.edu)
Email: knightshadow@ucf.edu