Student Job Shadowing: Benefits for Your Future Career

Choosing a career can be an incredibly daunting decision, with countless paths and no crystal ball to predict which one will lead to success and fulfillment. In high school and college, students learn a lot about different careers but often end up surprised by the realities of a chosen profession.

If you want to get a glimpse into the daily life of a professional in your dream field and ensure you’re making the right decision, you should try job shadowing. It’s like a sneak peek into the working world without the commitment of a full-time job.

But what are the specific benefits of job shadowing, and how can you make the most of this opportunity? You’ll find out in this article prepared by IvyPanda experts!

👤 What Is Job Shadowing?

Job shadowing is a career exploration event in which a student follows and observes a professional in their workplace for a certain period, typically for a day to a week. It allows students to gain insight into the daily tasks, responsibilities, and skills required for a specific job or industry.

Virtual job shadowing is a popular option among students who cannot physically visit workplaces. It can be done through various platforms such as video conferencing, virtual reality, or pre-recorded videos. With virtual job shadowing, you can still gain valuable insights into different industries and careers without leaving home.

What Is the Purpose of Job Shadowing?

Job shadowing allows students to learn about different careers and industries by watching professionals in their workplaces. This experience helps students better understand the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of a job, as well as the skills and qualifications required for success. Job shadowing aims to help high school and college students make informed decisions about their career paths and prepare them for future employment.

Why Is Job Shadowing Important?

Here are the main reasons why job shadowing is such an excellent solution for students:

How Long Does Job Shadowing Last?

The length of job shadowing can vary depending on the industry, company, and specific job. It can range from a few hours to several days or even weeks. Typically, this time is enough for a student to:

• Observe and learn about the job duties and responsibilities.
• Ask questions about the job, industry, and career path.
• Participate in meetings or job-related activities as appropriate.
• Learn about the company culture and work environment.
• Gain insight into the qualifications and skills necessary for the job.

When to Do Job Shadowing?

Whether you’re a high school student exploring different options, a college student looking for practical experience, or an established professional seeking growth, job shadowing can help you achieve your goals. Here’s when you can do job shadowing:

• While in high school. Job shadowing opportunities are often available to high school students through career centers, guidance counselors, or community organizations. This experience can help them make informed decisions about their future education and career paths.
• While in college. College students can take advantage of job shadowing opportunities through their academic departments, career services, or alumni networks. Job shadowing can help college students gain practical experience in their field of interest and make connections with professionals in their industry.
• When considering a career change. Job shadowing can be a valuable tool for individuals considering a career change. It allows them to observe professionals in their desired field and gain a realistic understanding of the job requirements and day-to-day responsibilities.
• When looking for professional growth. Professionals who are established in their careers can benefit from job shadowing. It allows them to observe best practices and learn from experts in their field. Job shadowing can also provide opportunities for networking and mentorship, which can lead to professional advancement.

What Happens after Job Shadowing?

Job shadowing encourages students to reflect on their experience and consider how it relates to their goals and aspirations. Some students might consider pursuing further education or training, networking with industry professionals, or seeking internships or job opportunities. Others might try job shadowing in a different sphere.

Nevertheless, it is essential to thank the employer for their time and insights and to maintain a positive relationship with them for potential future opportunities. Moreover, some job shadow coordinators ask students to write reflective journals and fill in an evaluation form.

🆚 Job Shadowing Vs. Internship

Job shadowing and internships are popular options for students seeking experience in a specific job or industry. While both options offer valuable learning opportunities, there are several key differences between the two.

	Job Shadowing	Internship
⌛ Duration	Short-term (usually a few hours to a few days)	Long-term (typically several weeks to several months)
👩‍🎓 Role	Observer/learner	Active participant/employee
💵 Compensation	Unpaid	Paid or unpaid
🎯 Purpose	Job shadowing aims to give insights into a specific job or industry.	The purpose of an internship is to gain hands-on experience and develop skills in the chosen career or industry.
📓 Responsibilities	Job shadowers do not have any assigned tasks or responsibilities besides observing and asking questions.	Interns are given specific tasks and responsibilities by their employers.
🔮 Potential for future employment	Job shadowing may lead to future job opportunities through networking and positive impressions.	Internships are often used as a pathway to future employment with the same employer or industry.

🗂️ Types of Job Shadowing

Job shadowing experiences might be different depending on the profession and company. However, here are the three popular types of job shadowing you might encounter.

Observation

Observation job shadowing is a learning method where students observe and learn about a particular job or industry. By shadowing a professional in that field, they can gain insight into the daily tasks and responsibilities of the job. For example, a high school student interested in becoming a nurse may shadow a registered nurse at a hospital to learn about the various tasks involved in nursing.

Hands-On

Hands-on job shadowing is another learning method where an individual actively participates in specific tasks and gains practical experience. This type of shadowing is particularly beneficial for those who want to learn skills that require hands-on experience. For instance, a college student interested in event planning may shadow an event planner and assist with tasks such as setting up decorations or coordinating with vendors.

Regular Briefings

Regular briefings shadowing involves attending meetings to learn about the company or industry. This technique is helpful for those who want to learn about the overall functioning of a company or corporate culture. For example, an aspiring marketing professional may shadow a marketing team and attend weekly strategy meetings to learn about market trends and campaign planning.

👨‍💻 Job Shadowing Examples: How It Works

So, what exactly happens during job shadowing? To help you better understand, we’ve prepared two examples in popular spheres. Check them out!

Nursing Job Shadowing

During nursing job shadowing, students observe and learn about registered nurses’ daily tasks and responsibilities. They may accompany the nurse on rounds, observe patient care, and learn about medical procedures. Most importantly, students can ask questions and gain insight into the nursing profession. Through this unique experience, students can decide if nursing is a career path they wish to pursue.

If you decide to observe a nurse’s work, your job shadowing day might look like this:

1. You come early to the hospital on the set date.
2. After meeting your job shadow host, you stay with them for the rest of the day.
3. You’ll have some time to introduce yourself and ask questions.
4. As a nurse completes ward rounds, you’ll be able to accompany them and observe the procedures and treatments. You will not be allowed to provide patient care, but you may be asked to perform some simple supervised tasks, like fetching supplies.
5. You may also get a chance to role-play for hands-on experience in nursing duties. For example, you may practice interviewing patients or responding to angry or confused visitors.
6. At the end of the day, you’ll be able to ask more questions and discuss your observations and experiences with the host.

Interior Design Job Shadowing

Interior design is a career full of common misconceptions. For example, many believe that it is a simple job that only involves decorating spaces. However, spending one day with an interior designer can help you see the reality behind this profession and decide whether it’s right for you.

If you choose to shadow an interior designer, your experience may look something like this:

1. You arrive at the designer’s place and have time to get acquainted.
2. Your job shadow host takes you to a meeting with a client. During this consultation, you can carefully observe how the designer communicates with the client, discussing their needs and preferences, time limits, and budget.
3. After the consultation, you and your host will proceed to create a concept board. You’ll learn how to make design plans and layouts. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the chance to use the design software your host employs to create 3D models and presentations for the client’s project.
4. Finally, you can go shopping with your host. You will observe how to choose materials and furniture. Since interior designers usually partner with suppliers and contractors, you will also have a chance to learn how they coordinate with other professionals.
5. At the end of your job shadowing experience, which can last a few days, you’ll be able to discuss your insights with your host and thank them for their lessons.

⭐ Benefits of Job Shadowing for Students

If you still wonder whether you should try job shadowing, consider the following benefits you can obtain:

• Getting a realistic perception of the job. Job shadowing allows you to observe professionals in their field of interest and gain a realistic understanding of what the job entails. This experience can help you avoid misconceptions about the job and determine if a particular career path is right for you.
• Identifying your career interests. By shadowing professionals in different fields, you can determine your career interests and gain insight into the skills and education required for those positions. This can help you make informed decisions about your future career paths.
• Practicing professional communication. Job shadowing provides an opportunity to practice professional communication skills, such as active listening and making presentations.
• Improving your resume. Job shadowing experiences can be included on your resume, demonstrating your interest and dedication to your chosen field. Employers value candidates who have shown initiative and gained practical experience.
• Building a professional network. Job shadowing allows you to meet and network with professionals in your field of interest. These connections can provide valuable mentorship, advice, and potential job opportunities in the future.
• Staying motivated in school. Job shadowing can be a motivating factor, providing you with a tangible goal to work towards. It can also help you see the relevance of your curriculum and how it applies to your future career goals.

🔎 How to Find Job Shadowing Opportunities

In this section, we’ll explore some tips on how to find job shadowing opportunities that can help you achieve your career goals.

🕸️ Start with your network.	Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances who work in the field of your interest. Ask if they know of any job shadowing opportunities or if they can introduce you to someone who can help.
🏫 Contact your school’s career center.	If you’re a student, your school’s career center may have resources or connections to help you find job shadowing opportunities. For example, the University of Chicago offers its students job shadowing opportunities in various fields, including business, finance, arts, law, medicine, STEM, and more.
️ 🖥 Utilize online resources.	Websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed can be great resources for finding job shadowing opportunities. Search for companies or professionals in your desired field and contact them directly.
👨‍💼 Research companies.	Identify companies in your desired field and reach out to them directly. Explain your interest in job shadowing and ask if they have any opportunities available. The companies that accept students include Amazon, CNN, Google, and many others.

Remember to approach every person or company professionally and respectfully to make a good first impression and increase your chances of having a valuable job shadowing experience.

✔️ Best Job Shadowing Tips for Students

To help you get the most out of your job shadowing experience, we’ve collected the best tips from career experts and students who have participated in a job shadowing experience before.

Before Job Shadowing

During Your Shadowing Experience

After Job Shadowing

❓ Questions to Ask When Job Shadowing

While observing is essential, asking thoughtful questions can help you get a next-level experience. In this section, we’ll explore some key questions to ask so you can make the most of your time and gain valuable insights into your chosen career path. To make it more convenient, we’ve grouped the questions into different categories.

Introductory Questions

The following questions can be asked at the beginning. They will help you get acquainted with your host and get some initial insights into the job.

1. What inspired you to take on this career path?
2. How did you get started in this industry?
3. Can you describe a typical day at your workplace?
4. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your job?
5. What are some of the key skills needed to succeed in this role?
6. What are some common misconceptions about your job or industry?
7. What advice would you give to someone starting out in this field?

Qualifications

You’ll want to learn what education, training, and skills are required to do the job. Ask these questions to figure that out:

1. What education or training is required for this job?
2. Are there any certifications or licenses needed to work in this field?
3. How did you develop the skills necessary for your job?
4. Are there any specific courses or training programs you would recommend for someone interested in this career path?
5. How important is continuing education in this industry?
6. What kind of experience or background do employers typically look for when hiring for this role?
7. Are there any specific personality traits that are well-suited to this job?
8. What are some common career paths or advancement opportunities within this field?

Job Responsibilities

The following questions will help you find out what you’ll do every day if you follow the same career path as your host:

1. Can you describe to me a typical project or task in your role?
2. How do you prioritize your tasks and responsibilities?
3. What kind of deadlines do you typically work with?
4. How much collaboration is involved in your job?
5. Are there any specific software programs or tools you use regularly in your work?
6. How do you stay organized and manage your workload?
7. What kind of feedback do you receive on your work?

Salary and Benefits

Many students have unrealistic expectations about their future earnings. To avoid an unpleasant surprise, you can learn about salary and benefits in your chosen field during your job shadowing experience. Just ask the following questions:

1. What is the typical salary range for this job?
2. Are there any opportunities for salary negotiation or advancement?
3. Are there any bonuses or incentives offered at this company?
4. How much vacation or paid time off is typically offered for this role?
5. Do employers provide any retirement or savings plans in this industry?

Personal Job Satisfaction

It has been estimated that an average person spends about 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. It’s over ten years! That’s why it’s so vital to find a job that will be satisfying for you. Ask your host the questions below to learn about the rewarding sides of your chosen career.

1. What do you find most rewarding about your job?
2. Have you ever experienced burnout in your role? If so, how did you address it?
3. How do you maintain a work-life balance in this industry?
4. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your personal life because of your job?
5. How do you stay motivated and engaged in your work?
6. Are there any specific accomplishments or achievements that you are particularly proud of in your career?
7. How has your job impacted your personal growth and development?

Additional Questions

Here are some more questions that will provide valuable insights about your selected job.

1. What tips would you offer a student who wants to succeed in a job interview?
2. How do you predict this field will change in the next 5-10 years?
3. What advice would you give to someone just starting in this field?
4. What soft and hard skills would you recommend mastering to succeed in this role?
5. How has technology impacted your job or industry?
6. What are some good beginner jobs to gain knowledge and experience?
7. Are there any specific organizations or associations that are important for professionals in this industry to be involved with?

In the end, job shadowing can be a transformative experience that opens doors to new career possibilities and helps you find your true passion. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with professionals who share your interests. Don’t hesitate to take the first step and start exploring your dream career today through job shadowing.

We hope this article has inspired you to take action and try job shadowing for yourself. If you liked the article, please share it with your friends and leave a comment below!

🔗 References

1. Job Shadowing Guidelines: University of Bristol
2. Types of Job Shadowing: University of Cambridge
3. Job Shadow Guide: Center for Science Education
4. How To Job Shadow (With Tips for a Positive Experience): Indeed
5. Complete Guide: Job Shadowing for High School Students: PrepScholar
6. Job Shadowing: Wellesley College
7. Job Shadowing for High School Students (And Why It’s Important): Indeed
8. Job Shadowing: Idaho State University
9. Job Shadowing Program, J-Term Opportunity: The University of Rhode Island
10. Shadowing & Professional Observation: Drake University
11. Job Shadowing Etiquette: Brigham Young University
12. Helpful Job Shadowing Questions: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
13. Examples of Questions to Ask During a Job Shadow: Nebraska Department of Education
14. 40 Job Shadowing Questions (With Sample Answers): Indeed
15. Typical Job Shadow Activities and Sample Questions: Loyola University Chicago
16. Job Shadows: Oklahoma CareerTech
17. Job Shadowing: Florida State University, the Career Center
18. Job Shadowing: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
19. What Is Job Shadowing?: The Balance
20. How to Start Job Shadowing: ACT