4 answers
Ebony
Student
Greensboro, North Carolina
5
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How do you get a job shadowing position?
What process do I have to go through to obtain a job shadowing position?
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1698
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Ebony !
A good way to discover if you like a day to day activity of a certain career could be through a shadowing experience, but I have advice that may be a little different about shadowing from many other advice you may receive. Although it comes from my own experience around many forms of work, it is just something to think about.
Shadowing means that you stay with a worker and watch them interact or serve their people. Sometimes this is perfectly doable but in other instances it is intrusive and introduces a public element that the customer/patient/or information needing to be said makes it inappropriate. I always say that this is true for the medical field as it is a busy field of work at which there needs to be a certain amount of privacy for the patient as well as confidentiality among staff that need to discuss the patient and treatment. Other fields of work where this is not the case, such as sales, real estate, accounting, performing arts, and many others seem to be doable. If you are determined to shadow in the medical field, the way you obtain a shadowing experience is to contact medical professionals and ask them if you could shadow them. That means staying with them and their patients for a day.
Instead of thinking of shadowing for the medical field, think of auditing a class at a college or volunteer work. Both of these options can be short term until you get the idea of whether or not you'd like that field of work. You will have more positive response quicker if you ask to volunteer. Auditing a course in the medical field you are considering will give you an idea of what you'd need to learn for that career and you would just be sitting in with the rest of the class. You can very well get an idea of what it's like in a hospital or doctors office if you experience it in the capacity of doing non-medical volunteer work.
Another quick way to become familiar with a career is to do a search on You Tube for videos about the particular career you are interested in. There are usually many videos there of people speaking about what it is like to be in a certain career. It may be useful for you to hear a selection of people speaking about it and it would just be a matter of doing the search at You Tube.
Another thing about shadowing in the medical field is that each patient you shadow would have to sign a HIPAA consent form which would state that it is okay for you to know their personal health care business. In the case of a hospital or clinic, the professional would have to keep a stack of HIPAA forms and take extra time explaining to each patient and why they have to sign it since you would be there. Also, shadowing in a couple of medical places is not exactly what your experience will end up being, so you are just observing one place, at one time. If you shadow on a good day it may sway you one way. If you shadow on a bad day it will sway you that way. Volunteering in the environment you want to observe will give you a better flowing perspective.
So keep in mind that you can watch career videos, audit a medical class at a nearby college or be a part of the team as a volunteer. Shadowing is an option but I always think that alternative experiences are better for the medical field.
A good way to discover if you like a day to day activity of a certain career could be through a shadowing experience, but I have advice that may be a little different about shadowing from many other advice you may receive. Although it comes from my own experience around many forms of work, it is just something to think about.
Shadowing means that you stay with a worker and watch them interact or serve their people. Sometimes this is perfectly doable but in other instances it is intrusive and introduces a public element that the customer/patient/or information needing to be said makes it inappropriate. I always say that this is true for the medical field as it is a busy field of work at which there needs to be a certain amount of privacy for the patient as well as confidentiality among staff that need to discuss the patient and treatment. Other fields of work where this is not the case, such as sales, real estate, accounting, performing arts, and many others seem to be doable. If you are determined to shadow in the medical field, the way you obtain a shadowing experience is to contact medical professionals and ask them if you could shadow them. That means staying with them and their patients for a day.
Instead of thinking of shadowing for the medical field, think of auditing a class at a college or volunteer work. Both of these options can be short term until you get the idea of whether or not you'd like that field of work. You will have more positive response quicker if you ask to volunteer. Auditing a course in the medical field you are considering will give you an idea of what you'd need to learn for that career and you would just be sitting in with the rest of the class. You can very well get an idea of what it's like in a hospital or doctors office if you experience it in the capacity of doing non-medical volunteer work.
Another quick way to become familiar with a career is to do a search on You Tube for videos about the particular career you are interested in. There are usually many videos there of people speaking about what it is like to be in a certain career. It may be useful for you to hear a selection of people speaking about it and it would just be a matter of doing the search at You Tube.
Another thing about shadowing in the medical field is that each patient you shadow would have to sign a HIPAA consent form which would state that it is okay for you to know their personal health care business. In the case of a hospital or clinic, the professional would have to keep a stack of HIPAA forms and take extra time explaining to each patient and why they have to sign it since you would be there. Also, shadowing in a couple of medical places is not exactly what your experience will end up being, so you are just observing one place, at one time. If you shadow on a good day it may sway you one way. If you shadow on a bad day it will sway you that way. Volunteering in the environment you want to observe will give you a better flowing perspective.
So keep in mind that you can watch career videos, audit a medical class at a nearby college or be a part of the team as a volunteer. Shadowing is an option but I always think that alternative experiences are better for the medical field.
Reena Washington, MBA, CPCC
Career Coach & HR Consultant
6
Answers
Ontario
Updated
Reena’s Answer
Hi Ebony!
I see you've added the healthcare and medical tag to your question so this answer is focused on those industries.
Here's a roadmap to help you navigate the process:
Target Your Interests: The healthcare industry is vast! Do you dream of assisting doctors in a bustling emergency room, or maybe working with animals in a veterinary clinic? Narrowing down your interests will help you find the right shadowing opportunity.
Leverage Your Network: Talk to your family doctor, dentist, or any healthcare professionals you know. They might be open to letting you shadow them for a day or suggest someone in their network who could be a good fit. Don't forget about teachers, school counselors, or even older siblings who might have healthcare connections.
Hospitals and Clinics: Many hospitals and clinics offer job shadowing programs specifically for students. Check their websites or call their volunteer or education departments to see if they have any programs available. Some programs might require applications or letters of interest, so be prepared.
Professional Organizations: Look for professional organizations in the healthcare field that interest you, like the American Medical Association (AMA) or the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These organizations might have resources or programs that connect students with shadowing opportunities.
Be Prepared: Once you've identified a potential shadowing opportunity, be proactive! Research the facility or professional you'd like to shadow and prepare a short email or phone call introducing yourself. Explain your interest in healthcare and why you'd like to shadow them specifically. Be polite, enthusiastic, and express your willingness to learn and follow their instructions.
Bonus Tip: Be flexible on timing. Healthcare professionals have busy schedules, so be open to shadowing during off-peak hours or on weekends. Dress professionally and arrive on time, showing your respect and commitment to the experience.
Good luck with your job shadowing adventure!
I see you've added the healthcare and medical tag to your question so this answer is focused on those industries.
Here's a roadmap to help you navigate the process:
Target Your Interests: The healthcare industry is vast! Do you dream of assisting doctors in a bustling emergency room, or maybe working with animals in a veterinary clinic? Narrowing down your interests will help you find the right shadowing opportunity.
Leverage Your Network: Talk to your family doctor, dentist, or any healthcare professionals you know. They might be open to letting you shadow them for a day or suggest someone in their network who could be a good fit. Don't forget about teachers, school counselors, or even older siblings who might have healthcare connections.
Hospitals and Clinics: Many hospitals and clinics offer job shadowing programs specifically for students. Check their websites or call their volunteer or education departments to see if they have any programs available. Some programs might require applications or letters of interest, so be prepared.
Professional Organizations: Look for professional organizations in the healthcare field that interest you, like the American Medical Association (AMA) or the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These organizations might have resources or programs that connect students with shadowing opportunities.
Be Prepared: Once you've identified a potential shadowing opportunity, be proactive! Research the facility or professional you'd like to shadow and prepare a short email or phone call introducing yourself. Explain your interest in healthcare and why you'd like to shadow them specifically. Be polite, enthusiastic, and express your willingness to learn and follow their instructions.
Bonus Tip: Be flexible on timing. Healthcare professionals have busy schedules, so be open to shadowing during off-peak hours or on weekends. Dress professionally and arrive on time, showing your respect and commitment to the experience.
Good luck with your job shadowing adventure!
Thank you for the advice, Reena. This is just what I needed.
Ebony
Anna Bernal
Recruiter
60
Answers
Oviedo, Florida
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hey Ebony,
A good way to obtain a job shadowing position is you can look online for opportunities such as using Indeed or google search.
From my own experience, through out college I did a job shadowing medical doctors and using my Handshake account that was offered through my school which offered you to search positions you needed and apply within the system. If you do use Handshake or even your campuses resources, they will also have fairs that have companies come onto campus to discuss job shadow opportunities.
I would also recommend asking your professors if you are in class or connections you may have at work who you can network with :)
I wish you the best of luck in finding a position!
A good way to obtain a job shadowing position is you can look online for opportunities such as using Indeed or google search.
From my own experience, through out college I did a job shadowing medical doctors and using my Handshake account that was offered through my school which offered you to search positions you needed and apply within the system. If you do use Handshake or even your campuses resources, they will also have fairs that have companies come onto campus to discuss job shadow opportunities.
I would also recommend asking your professors if you are in class or connections you may have at work who you can network with :)
I wish you the best of luck in finding a position!
Thank you! I will ask my career coordinator at my school.
Ebony
Anika S
Software Engineer Intern
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Hi Ebony,
Obtaining a job shadowing position in the health or medical field involves several steps to ensure you gain valuable experience while respecting professional norms and patient privacy. Here’s a structured approach to help you secure a job shadowing opportunity:
Identify Your Interests:
Determine which area of the health or medical field interests you the most (e.g., pediatrics, surgery, emergency medicine).
Research Healthcare Facilities:
Identify hospitals, clinics, medical offices, or healthcare facilities near you that offer job shadowing programs or opportunities.
Contact Healthcare Providers:
Reach out to healthcare providers directly through email, phone calls, or in-person visits to inquire about job shadowing opportunities.
Introduce yourself briefly, explain your interest in shadowing, and ask about their policy for hosting job shadowing students.
Prepare Your Resume/CV:
Create a professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that highlights your education, relevant coursework, any previous experience (even if non-medical), and your interest in healthcare.
Obtain Necessary Documentation:
Some facilities may require you to provide proof of enrollment in school (if you are a student), immunization records, or sign confidentiality agreements.
Good luck on your journey!
Obtaining a job shadowing position in the health or medical field involves several steps to ensure you gain valuable experience while respecting professional norms and patient privacy. Here’s a structured approach to help you secure a job shadowing opportunity:
Identify Your Interests:
Determine which area of the health or medical field interests you the most (e.g., pediatrics, surgery, emergency medicine).
Research Healthcare Facilities:
Identify hospitals, clinics, medical offices, or healthcare facilities near you that offer job shadowing programs or opportunities.
Contact Healthcare Providers:
Reach out to healthcare providers directly through email, phone calls, or in-person visits to inquire about job shadowing opportunities.
Introduce yourself briefly, explain your interest in shadowing, and ask about their policy for hosting job shadowing students.
Prepare Your Resume/CV:
Create a professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that highlights your education, relevant coursework, any previous experience (even if non-medical), and your interest in healthcare.
Obtain Necessary Documentation:
Some facilities may require you to provide proof of enrollment in school (if you are a student), immunization records, or sign confidentiality agreements.
Good luck on your journey!