6 answers
Sam
Student
British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
3
Questions
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How beneficial is job shadowing?
I'm an 11th grade student in B.C Canada and many of my older friends in school talk about job shadowing in the field they would like to go into. Essentially my question is would job shadowing be beneficial for a high school student or is it more intended for post-secondary students? If it's ok for high school students, is it any different from applying to a job or do I have to email places if they allow job shadowing?
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6 answers
John Hand
User Experience Designer
12
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Sam!
It's great that you're thinking about job shadowing. Here's my take on shadowing as someone who didn't declare a major until the 3rd year of college, and who has shadowed a master craft professional as an apprentice.
Job shadowing is very beneficial for many reasons.
1. You get to see first-hand what people do, and what their day-to-day looks like. This is very different from studying something in school as it moves beyond the concepts or romanticized idea of a job and actually gets at what it really entails. You'll get to learn about the skills needed to be successful at that job, as well as see the hopefully positive outcomes of the work in addition to the hardships and downfalls. This will give you a much clearer idea of what it takes to do that particular job, and the kind of person who might thrive there.
2. By shadowing, you can get exposure to many different types of jobs to get a better idea if you might be a good fit for them or not. As a senior in high school I hadn't been exposed to enough different fields to have any idea on which direction I might like to go. In the first two years of college I was able to take a wider variety of classes to start to get an idea.
3. You get to meet new people and make connections. Even if you don't end up going down the same career path, the more people you know and build a relationship with, the more opportunities you'll have in general. Something I didn't learn until after college was that most of the jobs you'll get in life, come through people that you know. So network, make those connections, and build quality relationships with everyone you can!
4. Shadowing is fun - especially if you enjoy trying new things and learning. You get to build on your own experience without any kind of commitment or accountability.
I would say that job shadowing can definitely be beneficial for high school students. The more people you meet and the more exposure you get to different fields, the faster you are likely to find a job that you're not only good at, but that you really enjoy. Finding job shadowing opportunities should be much easier that formally applying for a job. There's no need to be qualified with skills or experience, or even a need to talk with or convince hiring managers. All you need to shadow is to connect with someone who is open to having you tag along, make sure they have permission from their employer, and make sure you have some understanding of how long you might be shadowing them for (IE, a single day, a few days, a week, or potentially a few weeks). Employers are probably more likely to allow you to shadow their employees because they get to know you as a person, and if you do decide to pursue the kind of role you've been learning about, you'll already have some connections.
To clarify, shadowing is different from an apprenticeship, because an apprentice has already declared that they want to learn from a teacher, specifically to practice a craft with the intention of making it their job. Apprentices often have longer term relationships with their teachers, and sometimes help them with their work as they learn the trade. Apprentices also practice while they are learning, working to develop their own skill while observing and learning from their teacher. Some apprenticeships even have job opportunities attached or implied with them, whereas shadowing is literally just that. You get to watch someone work, ask questions when time allows, and just get a taste of whether or not you might be interested in doing that work.
"Better get into what you've got to get into" ~Donnovan
I hope this helps!
-John
It's great that you're thinking about job shadowing. Here's my take on shadowing as someone who didn't declare a major until the 3rd year of college, and who has shadowed a master craft professional as an apprentice.
Job shadowing is very beneficial for many reasons.
1. You get to see first-hand what people do, and what their day-to-day looks like. This is very different from studying something in school as it moves beyond the concepts or romanticized idea of a job and actually gets at what it really entails. You'll get to learn about the skills needed to be successful at that job, as well as see the hopefully positive outcomes of the work in addition to the hardships and downfalls. This will give you a much clearer idea of what it takes to do that particular job, and the kind of person who might thrive there.
2. By shadowing, you can get exposure to many different types of jobs to get a better idea if you might be a good fit for them or not. As a senior in high school I hadn't been exposed to enough different fields to have any idea on which direction I might like to go. In the first two years of college I was able to take a wider variety of classes to start to get an idea.
3. You get to meet new people and make connections. Even if you don't end up going down the same career path, the more people you know and build a relationship with, the more opportunities you'll have in general. Something I didn't learn until after college was that most of the jobs you'll get in life, come through people that you know. So network, make those connections, and build quality relationships with everyone you can!
4. Shadowing is fun - especially if you enjoy trying new things and learning. You get to build on your own experience without any kind of commitment or accountability.
I would say that job shadowing can definitely be beneficial for high school students. The more people you meet and the more exposure you get to different fields, the faster you are likely to find a job that you're not only good at, but that you really enjoy. Finding job shadowing opportunities should be much easier that formally applying for a job. There's no need to be qualified with skills or experience, or even a need to talk with or convince hiring managers. All you need to shadow is to connect with someone who is open to having you tag along, make sure they have permission from their employer, and make sure you have some understanding of how long you might be shadowing them for (IE, a single day, a few days, a week, or potentially a few weeks). Employers are probably more likely to allow you to shadow their employees because they get to know you as a person, and if you do decide to pursue the kind of role you've been learning about, you'll already have some connections.
To clarify, shadowing is different from an apprenticeship, because an apprentice has already declared that they want to learn from a teacher, specifically to practice a craft with the intention of making it their job. Apprentices often have longer term relationships with their teachers, and sometimes help them with their work as they learn the trade. Apprentices also practice while they are learning, working to develop their own skill while observing and learning from their teacher. Some apprenticeships even have job opportunities attached or implied with them, whereas shadowing is literally just that. You get to watch someone work, ask questions when time allows, and just get a taste of whether or not you might be interested in doing that work.
"Better get into what you've got to get into" ~Donnovan
I hope this helps!
-John
Thanks for the advice and clarifications!
Sam
Aman Kumar
Software engineer
16
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Job shadowing can be incredibly beneficial for high school students like yourself! Here’s why it’s worth considering and how it can help at your stage:
Early Career Exploration: Job shadowing gives you a firsthand look into different fields before you commit to a particular path. You get to observe daily tasks, workplace culture, and skills needed, which can help clarify if it's the right fit for you. This insight is valuable even before post-secondary education because it allows you to make more informed choices about your future studies and career.
Skill and Network Building: You’ll start building skills, see professional behaviors in action, and even make connections that could help you later on. People you meet during job shadowing could become mentors or provide recommendations, which is helpful when you’re ready to apply for internships or jobs.
Shows Initiative on Your Resume: If you add job shadowing experience to your resume, it demonstrates motivation and initiative, which can stand out when applying for programs, scholarships, or early work experience opportunities.
How to Get Started with Job Shadowing
Unlike applying for a job, job shadowing often requires a more direct, personalized approach. Here are some tips:
Reach Out by Email or Phone: You can email companies or professionals in the field you're interested in to see if they allow job shadowing for high school students. Keep your email polite and brief—explain that you’re a student interested in learning more about their field.
Ask Teachers or School Counselors: They may have connections or know of local programs that arrange job shadowing for students.
Networking with Family and Friends: Sometimes, people in your network may know professionals willing to let you shadow them, so don’t hesitate to ask around.
Job Shadowing Tips
When you do arrange job shadowing, be ready to observe, take notes, and ask questions. Try to show interest, be polite, and thank the person for their time—this goes a long way in leaving a good impression.
In short, job shadowing is a great option for high school students. It’s a bit different from applying for a job, but it’s absolutely worthwhile for exploring and preparing for your future. Good luck!
Early Career Exploration: Job shadowing gives you a firsthand look into different fields before you commit to a particular path. You get to observe daily tasks, workplace culture, and skills needed, which can help clarify if it's the right fit for you. This insight is valuable even before post-secondary education because it allows you to make more informed choices about your future studies and career.
Skill and Network Building: You’ll start building skills, see professional behaviors in action, and even make connections that could help you later on. People you meet during job shadowing could become mentors or provide recommendations, which is helpful when you’re ready to apply for internships or jobs.
Shows Initiative on Your Resume: If you add job shadowing experience to your resume, it demonstrates motivation and initiative, which can stand out when applying for programs, scholarships, or early work experience opportunities.
How to Get Started with Job Shadowing
Unlike applying for a job, job shadowing often requires a more direct, personalized approach. Here are some tips:
Reach Out by Email or Phone: You can email companies or professionals in the field you're interested in to see if they allow job shadowing for high school students. Keep your email polite and brief—explain that you’re a student interested in learning more about their field.
Ask Teachers or School Counselors: They may have connections or know of local programs that arrange job shadowing for students.
Networking with Family and Friends: Sometimes, people in your network may know professionals willing to let you shadow them, so don’t hesitate to ask around.
Job Shadowing Tips
When you do arrange job shadowing, be ready to observe, take notes, and ask questions. Try to show interest, be polite, and thank the person for their time—this goes a long way in leaving a good impression.
In short, job shadowing is a great option for high school students. It’s a bit different from applying for a job, but it’s absolutely worthwhile for exploring and preparing for your future. Good luck!
Thanks for the help.
Sam
Michael Baird
sales
3
Answers
Lowell, Massachusetts
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Job shadowing can be very beneficial in several ways! The first is you can get an idea of what a particular job or career entails on a daily basis, which can be an important factor in your decision. For instance, being a scientist can mean exciting new discoveries but it also entails writing, computer, data analysis, etc. skills that can be just as important to being successful. By shadowing someone in the field, you can get a wider view of all the aspects of a job.
Job shadowing can also help you decide on future course work to help gain the knowledge you will need to pursue a particular career. Maybe your math skills need sharpening to get into a certain field. By shadowing someone today as an 11th grader, you can potentially tailor your course work in your senior year to make sure you have the requisite skills to succeed in your next steps, whether that is college or entering your field of choice after high school
These are just a few of the ways shadowing can help!
Speak with a guidance counselor about possible shadowing opportunities in your area
Contact colleges (if you are headed in that direction) that are local. You may be able to shadow a professor or students in your field of choice
Join a networking site like LinkedIn to connect with others in a particular field who will be happy to share experiences and possibly open up shadowing opportunities
Job shadowing can also help you decide on future course work to help gain the knowledge you will need to pursue a particular career. Maybe your math skills need sharpening to get into a certain field. By shadowing someone today as an 11th grader, you can potentially tailor your course work in your senior year to make sure you have the requisite skills to succeed in your next steps, whether that is college or entering your field of choice after high school
These are just a few of the ways shadowing can help!
Michael recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Michael!
Sam
Simona Zaffaroni-Lucas
Financial Analyst
3
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Simona’s Answer
Hi Sam - great question. Job shadowing is a great opportunity to meet new people, expand your network and learn - even if just for a little fraction - what your colleagues do on a daily basis. And in the same office most of the times, it may be a different department but within the same company. You can appreciate what people sitting close to you cover during the day / week and even assess if that role might be appealing you, who knows for next steps.. one thing is to read about certain jobs, one thing is to experiment and feel free to ask questions, because it's a safe environment. Remember that no question is strange. It actually also helps the person who is offering this opportunity to stop and think what they do. Because it happens.. when you are so much into your daily ''stuff'' - well, at time routine or feeling too comfortable may come in your way and ''fog''' what you are actually doing.
I see it as double learning opportunity, for the person who is trying to see what their colleagues cover and for that colleague too. As said, networking is important - and maintaining it may not be easy because we are always busy. Remember when you shadow someone, to always check back and also update on your progress. They might know people who can help you further. It's not so much the first person you get to know.. it's who they know too!
You can also be given the opportunity to shadow senior employees or execs. Deep breath - no stress. Enjoy the opportunity - don't hesitate to ask for explanations because you will go from meeting to meeting and it's perfectly ok if things don't make immediate sense. You can ask questions in between meetings. But aside from the actual meeting subject that you are going to attend together - think of how this person manages the various tasks, how they balance their time. These are also important learning points - do they multitask? do they know how to answer all questions? No? how they navigate through their busy agenda. All these are great tips that help, the more you network and shadow someone, the more you can learn and as said, you will be giving back as well! Good luck with shadowing!
I see it as double learning opportunity, for the person who is trying to see what their colleagues cover and for that colleague too. As said, networking is important - and maintaining it may not be easy because we are always busy. Remember when you shadow someone, to always check back and also update on your progress. They might know people who can help you further. It's not so much the first person you get to know.. it's who they know too!
You can also be given the opportunity to shadow senior employees or execs. Deep breath - no stress. Enjoy the opportunity - don't hesitate to ask for explanations because you will go from meeting to meeting and it's perfectly ok if things don't make immediate sense. You can ask questions in between meetings. But aside from the actual meeting subject that you are going to attend together - think of how this person manages the various tasks, how they balance their time. These are also important learning points - do they multitask? do they know how to answer all questions? No? how they navigate through their busy agenda. All these are great tips that help, the more you network and shadow someone, the more you can learn and as said, you will be giving back as well! Good luck with shadowing!
Thank you, Simona for the advice.
Sam
Rita Chuang
Physician
187
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I think shadowing is very beneficial. I had a patient whose granddaughter wanted to be a physician. She followed a doctor and decided it was not for her. Why go through 4 years of medical school and minimum of 3 years of residency which are very tough years and expensive. I did not have anyone in medicine from my family and when I became a doctor, it was not what I envisioned. I recommend anyone interested in medicine to work as a medical scribe. Why? First, they pay you which is a plus. You follow a doctor and write everything for him/her which is like shadowing. Third, it helps you during medical school which is very difficult.
Eva Majercsik
Chief People Officer
5
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Eva’s Answer
Job shadowing is an incredibly valuable experience, and it's never too soon to begin. Take my daughter, for example, who discovered her love for marketing by shadowing a professional in the field for a high school project. Five years later, she's majoring in marketing! This is an ideal time for you to gain insights, particularly if you're uncertain about your college major. Even if you're undecided, job shadowing can provide a clearer picture of where you might see yourself in the future. It's a practical way to explore potential career paths and envision your future self.