Clarify Career Choices. Job shadowing helps you rule out careers. Understanding what you don't want to do is just as important as discovering what you do want. It's a valuable tool for figuring out your path.
Focus on Specific Roles. Even when you know what field you want to work in, job shadowing lets you explore specific roles, helping you pinpoint what job suits you best.
See Applied Skills in Action. See how subjects like math, science, and reading comprehension are used in the real-world connecting hypothetical classroom assignments to life.
Learn Professionalism. Spending time in a workplace instills core values essential for future employment, like professional communication, dressing appropriately, and punctuality.
Gain Insights. Job shadowing allows you to ask questions and get real answers. It's like an extended career day where you have access to professionals and can inquire about everything from daily tasks to career benefits.
Understand Workplace Realities. Job shadowing emphasizes the challenges and pressures that come with certain roles. It provides insights that classroom learning alone can't offer, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect in the workforce.
Tips for success
Come Prepared. Do some research on the company and careers. Come with questions you'd like to learn more about.
Be Respectful. Dress professionally, as if going to a job interview. Keep your phone off. Be respectful of people's time.
Show Gratitude. Thank the mentor for their time and the learning experience. Send thank you notes with something specific you appreciated about that job shadow.
A Bad Experience Does Not Mean a Bad Career. Not all experiences go as anticipated. Remember that a bad job shadow may not mean a mismatch for your career interests. Sometimes people have bad days, sometimes the mentor isn't the right fit for you. If the field is interesting, try another shadow before writing off that career.
Finding Job Shadows
Check with Your School. Talk to your High School Counselor or College & Career Specialist about your goals and interests. They may be able to help you find a current opportunity or at least narrow down where to start.
Ask at Places You'd Like to Work. Ask for the manager on duty or look up the main phone number or email, let them know that you are a student interested in learning more about potential careers and that you'd appreciate an opportunity to do a job shadow with someone at the company.
Check Company Websites and Community Boards. Check the company's website and job search sites like LinkedIn or Indeed for opportunities.
