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?
5 answers
Adit’s Answer
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!
Caitlyn Allan
Caitlyn’s Answer
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!
Catrina’s Answer
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’s Answer
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.