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How to shadow/network when you can't leave your house?

I'm stuck at home trying to figure out what career to choose. I know my interests and talents, (listed in my profile) but I can't pick something because I haven't had the chance to be hands-on to know what it's really like to be in that career rather than just googling information about it.
#career #career-counseling #career-choice #career-path #shadowing #job-shadowing #remote #networking

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Angela’s Answer

Hello! This is a great question and very relevant these days. The first thing I recommend is start networking with friends and family. If your parents, older siblings, cousins, aunts/uncles, etc. are involved in your life, they want to see you succeed. They may be able to provide basic advice and will likely know someone else that they can connect you with. Eventually, you'll get to a point where you hopefully meet someone or people who work in the field you're interested in pursuing or a similar field. This will give you the opportunity to shadow, maybe even in person if allowed. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you:) Your response was a little bit on the nose and somehow I never thought of it so I greatly appreciate your answer <3 Chio
Thank you comment icon I have actually met with students virtually who were a colleague's friend's child and other combinations - don't be afraid to ask! Sarah Williams
Thank you comment icon Wow that's quite a combination lol Yeah I guess I was just mentally blocked since I'm stuck at home with no way of getting out because I'm left to take care of my little brother... so yeah that immediately bummed me but I'll just keep contacting and asking until I meet the right people thanks:) Chio
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Mark’s Answer

Hi Siomara,

This is a great question, and there are some wonderful suggestions in the answers so far. Networking and shadowing remotely requires research and hard work, but it's feasible and rewarding.

One step you can take is to research and identify people with similar interests to you. Some things you can do:
- Read blogs or look into MeetUps or other events (virtual or in person) about topics or fields you're passionate about. Introduce yourself to others who are passionate about solving the same problems or chasing the same opportunities you're interested in!
- Research well known business leaders or thought leaders. What made them successful? Who has followed in their footsteps or learned from them? Can you reach out to those people directly or through their networks?
- Browse LinkedIn for people who work in fields or at companies that interest you. Send a message asking for a virtual coffee so you can learn what they like about their field, industry, company, etc.
Thank you comment icon I have trouble using LinkedIn because I'm figuring out how to use it best to network without it becoming another social media distraction and I also don't know how to "attract employers" to my profile since I only really have like 4 soft skills and really nothing else to offer as in experience. My resume is blank so I just proceed to sell my soft skills and contact through email as much as I can (through events) like you said in the first and second option. How should I go about emailing (what do I say?) and getting that opportunity to shadow and learn/get an entry level position to get my foot in the door. Chio
Thank you comment icon Hi Siomara, don't put too much pressure on yourself trying to solve your skillset -- you're still building it up. Instead, 1) identify the skills you want to learn, 2) identify people on platforms like LinkedIn, Medium blog posts, Quora, etc that enable interaction, and 3) ask for advice. Most people want to "pay it forward" because most (if not all) people didn't start off as experts in their respective fields, and relied on others to share their knowledge. Reaching out and asking questions like "what do you like about your field," "what's a typical day look like for you," "what is the best advice you received early on in your career," or "do you know anyone I can connect with and learn from" can go a long way to getting your foot in the door and starting your career journey. Mark Ustinov
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Priya’s Answer

Hi Siomara,
Would anyone in your interest field be open to meet with you via Zoom for you to virtually shadow or perhaps have a meeting to tell you more about the job? Good luck!
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Whitney’s Answer

Hey Siomara! This is definitely a common situation in the current world we live in. Some answers provided are very helpful- Zoom, LinkedIn, family & friends. I also think looking into different groups is a great way to network and virtually meet people who work in the field you may have interest in. There are many Organizations and Groups that exist when you Google them that can help you become more familiar with the organization, what they do, and how to get in touch with someone who can give you more specifics on 'day-in-the-life." I've even looked at different Facebook groups by business topic and found lots of groups with people eager to help! It's a good start until you can get out face to face to network :)
Thank you comment icon I've never thought of groups to join online so I'll be trying that; thank you. Have a beautiful day:) Chio
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