First, what is a job shadow? It's exactly what it sounds like. Job shadowing is an opportunity for you to spend a day or more with a professional in order to learn about a career and observe daily work activities. Basically you are trying to find out if this career is right for you. Can you see yourself working and succeeding in this profession? Not only does a job shadow help you find the right career fit, it will also help you weed out careers that may not live up to your expectations.
For example, in high school I wanted to be a Realtor. I enjoyed many perks of the career such as setting your own schedule, working out of the office and most importantly helping people find their dream home. I decided to job shadow a Realtor over the summer which in turn eventually led to a part time job completing light office work. I loved everything about the career except one major thing; the compensation. Personally I am not much of a risk taker when it comes to money. To rely on a commission as opposed to a steady paycheck was too risky to me. Something I never thought about until I worked in the office. Job shadows will help you realize all the aspects of the career good and bad.
Other benefits of job shadows to consider:
A job shadow will help you improve your interpersonal skills. For example, do you have effective communication skills? How about your work ethic? Take note of the employees exhibiting effective problem solving skills or how they work proficiently in a team environment. There are many interpersonal skills that as a new employee, you may not have, when entering the workforce. A job shadow experience can help you realize the importance of those skills and provide you with the opportunity to improve upon them while in high school.
Job shadows will help you make connections and network with professionals in your career of choice. This could help you down the road when looking for an internship during college or ever a job after graduation. It’s important to start building relationships with these individuals so you feel comfortable asking for a letter of recommendation or a reference for a job application.
A job shadowing experience is a valuable detail
to include on your activities resume, especially if you don’t have a part-time job.
This entry on your resume will show college recruiters that you researched your
intended major and made an informed decision. It will also show
employers that you observed a company’s day to day operations and have a better
understanding of the career and what is expected of employees. In In
today’s competitive job market, employers will see you have a sincere interest
in the career which makes for a good hire!
Jessica - ICAN Ankeny Center
Jessica - ICAN Ankeny Center
