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HOW TO JOB SHADOW

WHAT IS JOB SHADOWING?

Job shadowing is a great way to see the reality of what it is like to work in the job you are interested in. Shadowing can also help you figure out what you find interesting and what you might not actually enjoy as much as you thought you would. It is a way of exploring your interests without having to commit, kind of like the free samples at Costco. 

step one: find something you like

  • Start by brainstorming some fields/jobs that you are interested in. Once you have a list of jobs you want to shadow, it’s time to do some research.

    • First, brainstorm any personal connections to that job/field.  Ask family members, neighbors, alumni of your high school, individuals at job fairs, etc., whether they know anyone who works in the job you are interested in. USE AND ABUSE YOUR PERSONAL CONNECTIONS.

    • Amanda and Izabella are working on a contact list for WSD alumni and local community members in a wide range of jobs who you can shadow. Email us and we will help get you connected!

    • Reach out to those individuals via email or phone and ask about job shadowing opportunities.

  • If you do not have any luck reaching someone this way, you can try searching for more companies or jobs you are interested in, and contacting their Human Resource department to see if there is anyone you can shadow.

  • Don’t get discouraged during this process, sometimes you can send out tons of emails and only get one response! 

STEP TWO: TALK LOGISTICS

Once you find someone to shadow, make a clear plan and expectations for your experience. The individuals you are shadowing are likely very busy, so you want to discuss for how long and when you can come in to shadow them. Make sure you ask what to wear as some jobs have dress codes!

STEP FOUR: BE ON TIME

Before you arrive, do your best to be on time. Make sure you have the correct directions to the shadowing site and get there a few minutes early in case you get lost.

PRO TIP: Send an email the day before to remind the person you are shadowing them!

STEP THREE: DO SOME MORE RESEARCH

  • Before you arrive at the job you are shadowing, try to look up some information on the company or the profession or the person you are shadowing. 

  • Try looking at places like a company’s corporate website, hospital websites, brochures, etc.

  • Bring any questions that you have about the job. This type of interest is appreciated by those you shadow and helps create a memorable connection

HOW DO I STAND OUT?

STAY OFF YOUR PHONE.

In most professional settings, phones can be distracting. Turn your phone on silent or turn it off completely, and focus your attention on your shadowing opportunity. Do not use your phone throughout the day unless there is a very important reason for you to do so.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

This will likely vary for each individual you shadow based on their profession. If you are shadowing a medical professional, you might wear scrubs depending on what type of environment they work in. If you are shadowing at a business or company, professional or business casual attire would be appropriate. ASK WHAT TO WEAR when you are talking logistics! 

TAKE NOTES

There will likely be some interesting information that you learn throughout the day that you don't want to forget. Bring a notepad and pencil to jot down information during your experience. 

SAY THANK YOU!

At the end of your experience, thank the individual you shadowed for their time. Follow up with an email or letter to thank them, and try including something personal, such as your favorite part of the day or something new you learned. Great first impressions can be helpful in future networking and connecting!

If you have any questions, feel free to send them our way (:

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