Job Shadowing is an important part of Academic and Career Planning.  Job shadows typical take place in high school and/or the early years of college.  In order for everyone involved in the job shadow experience, it is necessary to take the time to prepare our students prior to sending them out for a job shadow.  Students need to research careers and companies. If students set up their own job shadows, they need to have instruction on how to make the phone call or how to make the request in email or in person.  The ask should be modeled and role played to help students prepare.  Students need to prepare and ask questions during the job shadow experience.  Getting feedback from the job shadow mentor and students is helpful in making improvements for all involved as well as making lasting relationships for future shadows.  And, don't forget the importance of a thank you card from the student as well as the school.

This article discusses many options that students have to gain work experience and learn on the job.

The Job Shadow experience allows a student to explore a specific career of interest by observing an employee perform their work duties at their place of employment. This project includes three attachments in the resource library which cover the guidelines and requirements of this project. Waunakee Community High School students take a course called Career Workshop at the sophomore level.  They are required to choose two enhancement projects from a list of options.  Students have access to shared Google Docs related to these projects.  The Job Shadow is one of these options.  Other options that may be found under WISELearn Resources include an Infographic, Web Portfolio, Career Presentation, Career Cruising Video Project, and Professional Interview.  

JOB SHADOW INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Student Name: Date of Job Shadowing Experience: Occupation/Profession being shadowed: Name of person being shadowed: Place of employment being shadowed: Years employed in occupation: Years/months employed in current job: What does your company do? What is your job title? What skills are needed to do your job? How did your education help prepare you for your job? Did your company do any additional training for you to perform this job? How did you get your job? What process was involved (testing, interview...)? What personality traits and attitudes are important? What related jobs did you have before this job? What is your work schedule (flexible, nights, specific hours...)?

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” How many times does a young adult get asked this question? This is an important decision and definitely not an easy one. This lesson (semester project) allows the student to take a closer look at what they might enjoy as a career or more importantly – what they might discover isn’t what they want in a job!

This chapter from the Work-Based Learning Manual includes several resources for setting up job shadowing for students. It describes what job shadowing should look like, a timeline to help plan job shadowing, key templates and documents, and instructions for making a successful job shadowing program.

Students will complete a job shadowing experience and use this form to reflect upon their experience.