6 answers
Ande
Student
Mazomanie, Wisconsin
5
Questions
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Is job shadowing a good way to see if you are interested in a certain field while in high school?
I have seen many ways you can gain experience and learn about a field while in high school, but I was wondering how helpful job shadowing is. My stepmom recommended I try and shadow a family friend of ours because she works at a local news station for news broadcasting and that is a secondary field I am interested in if I feel public relations won't work. What are the benefits of job shadowing? And should I try it out if possible?
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6 answers
Flo L.
Strategist | Educator | Consultant | Intuitive Creator
15
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Flo’s Answer
Ande, if you have the opportunity to shadow a job you're interested in, I think it could be a valuable investment of your time, especially if you have at least 4 hours to spare or half the day.
Usually a full-time shift is about 7-8 hours. An hour might be too short to determine if the job/field is something you'd want to do everyday repeatedly. Sometimes an hour is all you can manage for shadowing.
However, job shadowing isn't the only way to test your interest in a field while you're in high school.
We all learn differently, and different parts of our brain activate with various activities and tasks we choose to do.
If reading and researching about a field doesn't spark enough curiosity, how about speaking to someone in that field, even just over the phone?
If that doesn't generate enough motivation, then actual "on-the-job" training or shadowing might be your best opportunity.
Usually a full-time shift is about 7-8 hours. An hour might be too short to determine if the job/field is something you'd want to do everyday repeatedly. Sometimes an hour is all you can manage for shadowing.
However, job shadowing isn't the only way to test your interest in a field while you're in high school.
We all learn differently, and different parts of our brain activate with various activities and tasks we choose to do.
If reading and researching about a field doesn't spark enough curiosity, how about speaking to someone in that field, even just over the phone?
If that doesn't generate enough motivation, then actual "on-the-job" training or shadowing might be your best opportunity.
Adit Sheth
Senior Software Engineer
134
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Adit’s Answer
Job shadowing is a fantastic way to dip your toes into various fields while you're still in high school. It offers you a sneak peek into the daily grind and work atmospheres, which can be incredibly beneficial if you're still weighing your options, such as choosing between public relations and news broadcasting. Let's take a look at some of the major perks:
Glimpse into the Real World: You get to experience what the job feels like on a daily basis, something that classroom lessons alone can't offer.
Building Connections: You'll have the chance to establish professional relationships that could come in handy for future internships or advice.
Making Informed Choices: Shadowing can either solidify your passion for a field or help you discover it's not the right fit, steering your career path in the right direction.
If you have the chance to do it, it's certainly worth giving it a shot!
Glimpse into the Real World: You get to experience what the job feels like on a daily basis, something that classroom lessons alone can't offer.
Building Connections: You'll have the chance to establish professional relationships that could come in handy for future internships or advice.
Making Informed Choices: Shadowing can either solidify your passion for a field or help you discover it's not the right fit, steering your career path in the right direction.
If you have the chance to do it, it's certainly worth giving it a shot!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Ande
Anthany Vitela
Coding
68
Answers
Winter Springs, Florida
Updated
Anthany’s Answer
I think Job shadowing is absolutely a great way to see how you feel about a job! Job shadowing gives you a "look behind the curtain" so to speak at any potential job so I think its one of the best ways to see what a job is all about on a deeper level than most people get to see. I think it can potential be really cool and a lot of fun to see!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Ande
Caitlyn Allan
Solution Consultant - Security Operations
9
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Caitlyn’s Answer
Hi Ande,
Job shadowing is a great idea! It allows you to see (and to some degree experience) what daily life is like for that profession.
I personally think a lot of the time we don’t understand what a certain job entails before we do it. This can lead to disappointment when a career doesn’t measure up to your expectations.
It is also risk free! It allows you to try out and see what potential careers you are interested in look like. If you love it, great, it’s something you can set your mind to and pursue. If you hate it, no issue because at least now you know that that specific career may not be right for you.
I would definitely give it a go if you can!
Job shadowing is a great idea! It allows you to see (and to some degree experience) what daily life is like for that profession.
I personally think a lot of the time we don’t understand what a certain job entails before we do it. This can lead to disappointment when a career doesn’t measure up to your expectations.
It is also risk free! It allows you to try out and see what potential careers you are interested in look like. If you love it, great, it’s something you can set your mind to and pursue. If you hate it, no issue because at least now you know that that specific career may not be right for you.
I would definitely give it a go if you can!
thank you!!
Ande
Catrina Duff
Create strategies to drive business
6
Answers
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Updated
Catrina’s Answer
Hello Ande,
Job shadowing is truly an amazing opportunity! It provides you with a genuine, hands-on perspective of what the job really involves. Sometimes, job descriptions can be misleading, making a role seem more dynamic than it actually is, when you might just end up spending most of your time behind a desk, working on a computer. Job shadowing gives you the chance to experience the reality of the role firsthand, helping you decide if it's something you'd enjoy doing.
You'll gain insights into the actual tasks being performed, understand the responsibilities that come with the role, and see how the job fits into the bigger picture. These are aspects that can be challenging to grasp from just an interview or job advertisement.
So, embrace this opportunity with open arms! Good luck and remember, you've got this!
Job shadowing is truly an amazing opportunity! It provides you with a genuine, hands-on perspective of what the job really involves. Sometimes, job descriptions can be misleading, making a role seem more dynamic than it actually is, when you might just end up spending most of your time behind a desk, working on a computer. Job shadowing gives you the chance to experience the reality of the role firsthand, helping you decide if it's something you'd enjoy doing.
You'll gain insights into the actual tasks being performed, understand the responsibilities that come with the role, and see how the job fits into the bigger picture. These are aspects that can be challenging to grasp from just an interview or job advertisement.
So, embrace this opportunity with open arms! Good luck and remember, you've got this!
Leslie Lazarus
Director Executive Recruiting
6
Answers
Keene, New Hampshire
Updated
Leslie’s Answer
Hi Ande,
Job shadowing is an excellent strategy to gain a comprehensive understanding of a specific job's duties and responsibilities. If you spend enough time shadowing, you'll gain a profound insight into the daily tasks and challenges associated with a particular career. This hands-on experience will equip you with the knowledge you need to decide if it's the right career path for you.
Job shadowing is an excellent strategy to gain a comprehensive understanding of a specific job's duties and responsibilities. If you spend enough time shadowing, you'll gain a profound insight into the daily tasks and challenges associated with a particular career. This hands-on experience will equip you with the knowledge you need to decide if it's the right career path for you.