Work Shadowing is a great way to gain valuable insights into a sector you are interested in knowing more about. By participating, you learn more about the inner workings of an organisation and about the necessary roles to get the job done. Shadowing opportunities will normally be in-person but some may be offered online.
ABDN Shadowing
The staff at Gallagher were all very helpful in answering my questions and were eager to shed the insurance industry in a positive light. It was fantastic to be able to spend time with every part of the business from the Account Executives and Account Handlers up to the Head of Office for Northern Scotland. It was fascinating hearing everyone’s career journey and how they got into the insurance industry. It’s a sector that I had only limited understanding of before, but after this insight programme I have been able to gain a much better overview of the industry and the skills needed to be successful within it. My favourite thing about the programme was the range of roles I was exposed to, it really gave me a well-rounded view of the sector and what opportunities are available.
4th year Business Management and Geography student
ABDN Shadowing opportunities
- Insurance and Financial Services (Term 1)
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Timeline
The Insurance and Financial Services shadowing scheme will run during Term 1 (November 2025):
- 6 October - applications open
- 13 October - applications close
- W/b 3rd or 10th November - one full day of shadowing to take place
Eligibility
The insurance and financial services shadowing scheme is open to all current students, regardless of year or subject of study. If you have completed an ABDN Shadowing opportunity in the past you are no longer eligible.
Opportunities
View all available shadowing opportunities: Insurance and financial services shadowing scheme
How to apply
Applications are now closed.
- Law (Term 2)
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Timeline
The Law shadowing scheme will run during Term 2 (March 2026):
- Monday 9 February 2026: Applications open for 2 weeks
- Thursday 19 February: Applications close
- Friday 20 February: Shortlisting and selection takes place
- Wednesday 25 February: Selection complete
- Wednesday 4 March: Induction session
- w/c Monday 9 March: Shadowing takes place during this week or w/c 16 March
- Friday 20 March: Shadowing complete
Eligibility
The law shadowing scheme is open to undergraduate law students in 3rd and 4th year, 2nd year accelerated law students and Postgraduate Diploma students. The scheme aims to support students who do not yet have a traineeship offer. Please note that LLM students are not eligible for the scheme. If you have completed an ABDN Shadowing opportunity in the past you are no longer eligible.
Opportunities
View Law shadowing opportunities 2026
How to apply
Applications are now closed.
- Public Sector (Term 2)
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Timeline
The Public Sector shadowing scheme will run during Term 2 (March 2026):
- Monday 9 February 2026: Applications open for 2 weeks
- Thursday 19 February: Applications close
- Friday 20 February: Shortlisting and selection takes place
- Wednesday 25 February: Selection complete
- Wednesday 4 March: Induction session
- w/c Monday 9 March: Shadowing takes place during this week or w/c 16 March
- Friday 20 March: Shadowing complete
Eligibility
The public sector shadowing scheme is open to all current students, regardless of year or subject of study. If you have completed an ABDN Shadowing opportunity in the past you are no longer eligible.
Opportunities 2026
- Aberdeenshire Council departments: Legal & People, Economic Development – Business Gateway, Planning Service, Employment Support Team, Data & Digital Team, Outdoor Access and Countryside Team
- Aberdeen City Council: Business Support, Education and Lifelong Learning – Fairer Futures Partnership, Education and Lifelong Learning – Music Service, Events Team
- NHS Grampian - Digital Health
How to apply
Applications are now closed.
- Real Estate (Term 2)
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Timeline
The Real Estate shadowing scheme will run during Term 2 (March 2026):
- Monday 9 February 2026: Applications open for 2 weeks
- Thursday 19 February: Applications close
- Friday 20 February: Shortlisting and selection takes place
- Wednesday 25 February: Selection complete
- Wednesday 4 March: Induction session
- w/c Monday 9 March: Shadowing takes place during this week or w/c 16 March
- Friday 20 March: Shadowing complete
Eligibility
The Real Estate shadowing scheme is open to all undergraduate and PgT students studying Real Estate. If you have completed an ABDN Shadowing opportunity in the past you are no longer eligible.
Opportunities 2026
A range of opportunities within real estate processes including site inspections, surveys, valuations, marketing, offers with AndersonBain, Barratt David Wilson Homes, Burness Paull, Dalcour MacLaren, DM Hall, FG Burnett, Knight Property Group, Savills.
How to apply
Applications are now closed.
Other shadowing schemes (insight days)
Sometimes larger organisations advertise insight days. While insight days are usually unpaid, expenses may be covered by the organisation.
Insight days are advertised on online platforms, such as MyCareerHub and Higherin.
Another option could be politely approaching an organisation you are interested in and sending them a speculative application enquiring about insight day opportunities. While it won’t always be possible, there is no harm in asking and you will be practising good skills by doing so. Respectfully explain your motivations and ask if you could shadow a member of staff for a day or a few days.