Job Shadowing a great tool to open doors.

Job shadowing (That is the observing someone else on the job or career you are wishing to enter) can open many doors for the career seeker and for the career that is searching highly talented and trained employees. Many a job shadow has lead to an internship and then lead to full employment.

Why job shadow?

Everyone Benefits!

• Job Shadow is a win-win situation for all involved! Each participant gains unique benefits from Job Shadowing:

For Students:

• Provides an answer to the questions, “Why do I have to learn this?” and “Would I want to make this job a career?”
• Gives a view into all aspects involved in a job. Students can observe not only job characteristics and responsibilities, but also what each profession requires on a day-to-day basis
• Lets students learn first-hand what it takes to make it in their fields of interest from the people who know best—working professionals

For Educators:

• Helps motivate students to learn by demonstrating the tangible applications of classroom lessons
• Helps craft lesson plans around students’ career interests

For Employers:

• Helps prepare the future workforce
• Shows students career possibilities in different industries
• Demonstrates a tangible commitment to supporting and improving the community
• Creates a feeling of personal satisfaction that comes from mentoring a young person

So you see it is very beneficial for all that are involved with the process.

When you go on a Job Shadow here are some good questions to consider:

Questions About a Specific Career Field

• What are the main responsibilities associated with work in your field?
• Please describe a typical day, week, and month.
• What interests and skills are needed for successful employment in this field?
• What education and experiences will I need to break into the field?
• Have standards or licensing requirements for this field been established by national professional organizations?
• Are you satisfied with the career field you have chosen?

Questions About a Specific Organization

• Please tell me more about your organization and its purpose.
• How does your organization compete or cooperate with other organizations within this field?
• How do you think your job would be different if you were working in a larger or smaller organization?
• What is unique about your organization?

Questions About Personal Insights and Experiences

• What field did you prepare for and expect to enter originally?
• How did you get where you are in your field?
• Would you advise someone to enter your career field?
• What would you have done differently in your career?
• What would you identify as the top two personal rewards from the work you do?

Please check with employers in your area and start job shadowing as soon as you can.

Bob