6 answers
Tasnin
Student
Ashburn, Virginia
7
Questions
Asked
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How do I shadow someone in the career field I want to go into? (Multiple questions below)
I am a junior in high school and I really want to shadow a dentist and a sonographer because those are my top two choices. By shadowing it'll help me understand which career path I would rather go into. It would also give me some good experience. HOWEVER, my problem is no one is answering my emails. Has this happened to anyone? Is there anything else I should do? Is there something besides shadowing that will help me gain more insight?
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6 answers
Oishi Rahman
Retail Pharmacist
13
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Oishi’s Answer
Hello Tasnin!
I highly suggest you go to a few local dentist's offices, preferably when they just open so it isn't as busy as it can get later in the day and ask if you can shadow them as they work. Explain that you are very interested in the profession and would like first hand experience. I suggest that you offer to volunteer a few hours as well maybe doing administrative tasks as a thank you for letting you shadow them. You may have to visit multiple offices to increase your chances of getting a yes.
Sonographers usually work for medical groups/hospitals. I suggest going to hospitals and visiting the volunteer office and asking if they can specifically place you in that specific department. Again, you may have to do other administrative tasks but it's worth it if you can make some connections and learn about what sonographers do in real life.
Best of luck!
I highly suggest you go to a few local dentist's offices, preferably when they just open so it isn't as busy as it can get later in the day and ask if you can shadow them as they work. Explain that you are very interested in the profession and would like first hand experience. I suggest that you offer to volunteer a few hours as well maybe doing administrative tasks as a thank you for letting you shadow them. You may have to visit multiple offices to increase your chances of getting a yes.
Sonographers usually work for medical groups/hospitals. I suggest going to hospitals and visiting the volunteer office and asking if they can specifically place you in that specific department. Again, you may have to do other administrative tasks but it's worth it if you can make some connections and learn about what sonographers do in real life.
Best of luck!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Tasnin
Carlene Mauk
Dental Hygienist
8
Answers
Fremont, California
Updated
Carlene’s Answer
Don’t give up and don’t take it personally if you haven’t gotten an email back. December is an extremely busy month in the dental world. A lot of Patients are coming in last minute to use up their insurance benefits. This month is really short because of Christmas as well. I would try again in January. Also the emails are most likely going straight to the front office and not directly to the Dentist.
I’ve had many students shadow at my Dental office. Try looking up some local dental offices in your area and give them a call. Just let them know about your interest in dentistry and ask if you could leave your contact details with the Dentist. Keep in mind, though, not every office would be able to accommodate shadowing, especially if they're a busy office
I’ve had many students shadow at my Dental office. Try looking up some local dental offices in your area and give them a call. Just let them know about your interest in dentistry and ask if you could leave your contact details with the Dentist. Keep in mind, though, not every office would be able to accommodate shadowing, especially if they're a busy office
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Tasnin
Amy C.
Director of Strategic Communications
35
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Amy’s Answer
It's easy to ignore an email, but much harder to ignore people in real life! I recommend you draft a letter explaining your background and what you are looking to do and going to neighborhood offices to drop it off. You can meet the receptionist face to face and they are likely to mention it to the provider. Make sure your letter is clear about your experience, what you're hoping to learn, whether you expect payment, etc.
thank you!
Tasnin
Hannah Stoltman
Nursing Assistant
4
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Hey there, Tasnin!
The year-end is a whirlwind of activity for everyone, what with holiday shopping, trips, and year-end appointments, not to mention insurance matters. So, if your emails aren't getting immediate responses, don't take it to heart. Here are a few strategies you could try:
1. Draft your emails and use the schedule send feature to dispatch them later in January, once the holiday hustle-bustle has calmed down. You can choose any day and time you prefer. I'd suggest early morning when they're just starting their day, or around lunchtime when they might be checking their phones or emails.
2. Polish up your resume, print it, and take it directly to them! Engage the receptionist in conversation and ask to talk to the person you'd like to shadow. If they're tied up (which is highly probable), leave your resume with the receptionist, express your gratitude for their time, and follow up with an email.
If you don't get a response but are really keen on securing a position, don't hesitate to keep showing up. Chances are, they're just swamped and will value your persistence and commitment to keep returning and introducing yourself. This will make you memorable!
Best of luck with everything!
The year-end is a whirlwind of activity for everyone, what with holiday shopping, trips, and year-end appointments, not to mention insurance matters. So, if your emails aren't getting immediate responses, don't take it to heart. Here are a few strategies you could try:
1. Draft your emails and use the schedule send feature to dispatch them later in January, once the holiday hustle-bustle has calmed down. You can choose any day and time you prefer. I'd suggest early morning when they're just starting their day, or around lunchtime when they might be checking their phones or emails.
2. Polish up your resume, print it, and take it directly to them! Engage the receptionist in conversation and ask to talk to the person you'd like to shadow. If they're tied up (which is highly probable), leave your resume with the receptionist, express your gratitude for their time, and follow up with an email.
If you don't get a response but are really keen on securing a position, don't hesitate to keep showing up. Chances are, they're just swamped and will value your persistence and commitment to keep returning and introducing yourself. This will make you memorable!
Best of luck with everything!
Thank you, Hannah!
Tasnin
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
202
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Tasnin! 😊
First off, I love that you're thinking ahead and trying to gain some hands-on insight into your future career! Shadowing is a fantastic way to get a feel for a field, but yeah, I totally get your frustration with emails being ignored. It happens to the best of us, but no worries, I’ve got some tips for you to take this to the next level!
1. Persistence is Key:
It’s awesome that you’re emailing, but sometimes the person you’re emailing is busy, and it might take a few follow-ups to get noticed. Try sending a follow-up email after about a week. Keep it polite and professional, and express your continued interest in shadowing. It can also help if you’re super specific about what you’re looking for. For example:
“Hi Dr. [Name], I reached out last week about shadowing, and I wanted to follow up. I’m a high school junior interested in learning more about the dental field and would love to observe you in action if you’re able to accommodate a shadowing opportunity. I’m available [insert days/times], and I’m more than happy to follow any protocols you may have. Thank you for your time!”
2. Try Calling:
Emails are great, but calling can often be more effective. Pick up the phone and call the office directly. Ask if they offer shadowing opportunities for students and if they know of any upcoming openings. Be polite and brief, but don’t be afraid to ask if you can speak to the person in charge of scheduling shadowing.
3. Leverage Connections:
Do you have any family, friends, or acquaintances who are in the medical or dental field? Sometimes getting an introduction or referral through someone can open doors. If not, don’t be afraid to reach out to your school’s career counselor or a teacher for help connecting you with professionals.
4. Explore Other Ways to Gain Insight:
If shadowing is tough to line up right away, there are other ways to gain experience:
Volunteering: Many dental offices and healthcare facilities accept volunteers, and this can give you exposure to the field. You may not be shadowing directly, but you’ll see the environment, talk to staff, and get a feel for the job.
Internships: Some hospitals or clinics offer formal internships to high school students that can give you hands-on experience in healthcare settings.
Online Resources: You can watch videos or webinars from professionals about the day-to-day life of a dentist or sonographer. It’s not the same as being on-site, but it can still provide valuable insight.
Job shadowing events or career fairs: Some high schools host career fairs or job shadowing days where professionals come to talk about their fields and offer mini shadowing experiences.
5. Make the Most of the Opportunity:
When you do finally get that chance to shadow, be sure to make a great impression! Arrive on time, dress appropriately, and ask thoughtful questions (but be mindful of not interrupting the workflow). You can also ask about career paths, required skills, and even day-to-day challenges in the field. The more you show that you're interested and eager to learn, the more likely they’ll want to help you.
6. Stay Patient:
Not every place will be able to accommodate you, but don't let that discourage you. Keep trying, keep learning, and keep reaching out. It’s all part of the process!
You’re on the right track, Tasnin! Keep pushing and good things will come your way. You got this! 💪
First off, I love that you're thinking ahead and trying to gain some hands-on insight into your future career! Shadowing is a fantastic way to get a feel for a field, but yeah, I totally get your frustration with emails being ignored. It happens to the best of us, but no worries, I’ve got some tips for you to take this to the next level!
1. Persistence is Key:
It’s awesome that you’re emailing, but sometimes the person you’re emailing is busy, and it might take a few follow-ups to get noticed. Try sending a follow-up email after about a week. Keep it polite and professional, and express your continued interest in shadowing. It can also help if you’re super specific about what you’re looking for. For example:
“Hi Dr. [Name], I reached out last week about shadowing, and I wanted to follow up. I’m a high school junior interested in learning more about the dental field and would love to observe you in action if you’re able to accommodate a shadowing opportunity. I’m available [insert days/times], and I’m more than happy to follow any protocols you may have. Thank you for your time!”
2. Try Calling:
Emails are great, but calling can often be more effective. Pick up the phone and call the office directly. Ask if they offer shadowing opportunities for students and if they know of any upcoming openings. Be polite and brief, but don’t be afraid to ask if you can speak to the person in charge of scheduling shadowing.
3. Leverage Connections:
Do you have any family, friends, or acquaintances who are in the medical or dental field? Sometimes getting an introduction or referral through someone can open doors. If not, don’t be afraid to reach out to your school’s career counselor or a teacher for help connecting you with professionals.
4. Explore Other Ways to Gain Insight:
If shadowing is tough to line up right away, there are other ways to gain experience:
Volunteering: Many dental offices and healthcare facilities accept volunteers, and this can give you exposure to the field. You may not be shadowing directly, but you’ll see the environment, talk to staff, and get a feel for the job.
Internships: Some hospitals or clinics offer formal internships to high school students that can give you hands-on experience in healthcare settings.
Online Resources: You can watch videos or webinars from professionals about the day-to-day life of a dentist or sonographer. It’s not the same as being on-site, but it can still provide valuable insight.
Job shadowing events or career fairs: Some high schools host career fairs or job shadowing days where professionals come to talk about their fields and offer mini shadowing experiences.
5. Make the Most of the Opportunity:
When you do finally get that chance to shadow, be sure to make a great impression! Arrive on time, dress appropriately, and ask thoughtful questions (but be mindful of not interrupting the workflow). You can also ask about career paths, required skills, and even day-to-day challenges in the field. The more you show that you're interested and eager to learn, the more likely they’ll want to help you.
6. Stay Patient:
Not every place will be able to accommodate you, but don't let that discourage you. Keep trying, keep learning, and keep reaching out. It’s all part of the process!
You’re on the right track, Tasnin! Keep pushing and good things will come your way. You got this! 💪
Evangeline Watkins
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
11
Answers
Santa Ana, California
Updated
Evangeline’s Answer
Honestly, I've never heard of anyone shadowing a sonographer unless they were doing an internship. Internships are mostly done toward the end of schooling. I say this as a sonography student, but I could be wrong. Keep cold emailing, look up sonographers, program directors, and local clinics on Linkedin, and keep cold emailing. It's important to include a resume, a reason why you want to shadow, and how you would benefit the clinic or hospital.