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How should I ask to shadow a professional?

I'm looking to shadow an SLP, but I'm unsure about how to approach them. #speech-pathology #job-shadowing #career

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jacqueline’s Answer

There are a couple of approaches you can take. The one that will provide the best opportunity is if you know someone who works in this field. You can simply approach them and share your aspiration to become an SLP. It would be perfectly fine for you to ask if you can shadow them when they have time. You can also ask them for direction on what steps you should take to be able to shadow someone in the industry.


Try going to your school guidance counselor and let them know you are interested in shadowing an SLP, your school may very well have a relationship with someone in this field.

You can also check online for clinics and hospitals in your area that offers services in this filed. Email them and let them know that you are interested in this field ask if they have a program that will allow you to shadow an SLP. Often times even if they don'y have a program they will be able to tell you where to get started. Good Luck and I am positive you will make this happen!
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Archived’s Answer

As an SLP, I can tell you that we are quite used to being asked to shadow us. Most of the time, all you have to do is ask. You may be required to provide various pieces of information to the SLP's employer such as immunization records, school information, etc. That said, all you have to do is ask. If you are struggling to find an SLP to shadow, check out facebook groups and ask to shadow someone such as Speech-Language Pathology, Speech Pathologists at Large, Adult Rehab Speech Therapy, etc. These are all very large groups with therapists in every state. If you need more help, let me know!
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Austin’s Answer

I would use LinkedIn to make connections. There are people in those professional that used to be in your shoes and would be happy to talk to you or possibly shadow. This is also a good way to find common connections and you could possibly get some introductions.
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John’s Answer

Be specific about what you like about the person you want to shadow. Tell them how much you know you could learn from them. Then ask if it might be possible to shadow them at their convenience if it's not too much trouble.
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Derrick’s Answer

I don't work on this field but this would be my approach. I believe this could be a sensitive request given patients' concern for privacy. Therefore, my first recommendation is to find someone through family or friends who work on this field. If none, I would recommend to reach out the career services office of your school for assistance on this matter. If this does not work, I would then recommend to pursue a more proactive approach through linkedin. Once you find professionals who work on this field, send an invitation to connect expressing your final goal. What you are asking is a smart move on your part and I believe any professional will see it this way
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Nina’s Answer

Hi! Shadowing is such a great way to really get a sense of what the day-to day life at a certain job is like; are you already in a program that offers shadowing? If so, you can connect through that school's department. If you are not at a specific school or job site yet but want to shadow, you can usually call the agency or school board and inquire if you may shadow someone. Most places are very welcoming provided you can provide a valid ID of some kind. I hope that answer is helpful!
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James’s Answer

Maybe see if there is opportunities todo work experience in that field of work then you can see first hand what it would be like? Also would be a opportunity for you to network as well and create contacts, friends in the industry. Good luck :)
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Caroline’s Answer

Talk to someone in Human Resources let them know you are interested in shadowing and ask if they have any opportunities available.
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