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?
6 answers
John’s Answer
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
Michael’s Answer
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:
Simona’s Answer
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!
Aman’s Answer
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!