Job Shadow

In general, job shadowing involves following one worker, often called a mentor, as they go about their work day. A job shadow mostly involves listening and observing, but they often give you the chance to perform some simple job duties (but you won’t be able to do things that require special training). You may focus specifically on one job or observe multiple jobs within a company. You will also usually have the chance to speak to other workers and ask them questions about their jobs and career paths.

Job shadowing has many benefits for students, and three of the most important are discussed below:

•  Learn about Different Jobs - It lets you directly observe different jobs so you can better understand what different careers entail. Shadowing a job can help you learn if it’s really something you would enjoy. It’s much better to learn which jobs you like and dislike now.
• Network with Professionals - Making connections with professionals can make it easier for you to find a job or an internship in that field down the road. If you had a great experience, try to keep in touch with the people you met. They may be able to help you or put in a good word.
• Be Introduced to the Workforce - It lets you experience what having a job and being in the workforce is like. This is useful because it will give you a better idea of what to expect when you begin working.

If you have a negative experience or a bad mentor, it can turn you away from a job you had previously been really interested in. The important thing is to remember that you only spent one day at one place, and that does not represent the entire career by any means. If this happens to you, you should try to set up another job shadow, either at a different location but for a similar job, or at the same place but with another mentor.

Here are some ways you can set up your own job shadow experience:

• Check with Your School - Ask your academic adviser for a list of organizations you can contact. If you aren’t sure where you’d like to do your job shadow, they can talk to you about your career goals and help you choose a place that will fit your interests.
• Contact Places Where You'd Like to Work – Call or email someone from the company’s human resources department, or call or e-mail the main contact line. Say that you’re a student interested in learning more about certain careers, and you’d like an opportunity to do a job shadow with someone from the company. List some reasons as to why you chose that particular company.
• Try Community Boards – Check specific company websites, or view sites like Indeed or Monster and do searches for possibilities. If you see interesting companies hiring for workers or interns, you can also contact them to see if they’d be willing to let you job shadow there.

• Do some research on the company.
• Prepare some questions you'd like to ask.
• Dress appropriately, similar to a job interview.
• Remember to be respectful of people's time. 
• Keep your phone off.
• Send thank you notes.