A job shadow is designed to give students an opportunity to spend a day with a professional in order to experience what it is like working in a potential career, to better decide if it is a path they would like to pursue.
Based upon your interest, CareerTek will coordinate a job shadow opportunity for you with one of our local business partners.
Students must be at least 16 years or older to be eligible to attend a job shadow.
Top 10 Reasons to participate in a Job Shadow
- Real-World Experience:
Job shadowing provides an opportunity to see how work is done in a real setting, helping students understand the day-to-day responsibilities of different professions. - Career Exploration:
It helps students explore potential career paths. By shadowing someone in a field of interest, they can determine whether it’s the right fit for them. - Networking Opportunities:
Students have the chance to meet professionals in their field of interest, which can open doors for internships, mentorships, and future job opportunities. - Skill Development:
Observing professionals helps students gain new skills and insights into industry practices, which can be useful for their future studies or career. - Building Confidence:
Experiencing a job firsthand and asking questions in a real-world environment can help students gain confidence in their abilities and in interacting with professionals. - Understanding Workplace Culture:
It gives students a sense of the work environment, company culture, and expectations, which helps them decide if they want to pursue a similar work setting. - Informed Decision Making:
Job shadowing provides the chance to make an informed decision about career choices, reducing the risk of choosing a career path that might not align with their interests or strengths. - Learning Professional Etiquette:
Students can observe workplace behavior, communication styles, and other professional etiquette that will benefit them in future job settings. - Resume Enhancement:
Having job shadowing experience can look great on a resume, demonstrating initiative, interest in a field, and a proactive approach to career planning. - Improved Job Readiness:
By shadowing a professional, students can better understand the skills and knowledge they need to acquire, giving them a clear roadmap for their academic and career goals.
Job Shadow Process
- Fill out the Job Shadow Request form
- Wait to be contacted by the CareerTek Staff
- Student will schedule a time and meet with the Career Development Director or Career Pathways Director
- Complete and submit Company Research Form
- Student is required to complete and submit company research form provided by CareerTek
- Complete and submit Permission Slip/Agreement Form provided by CareerTek
- **Must be completed on time or job shadow will be canceled**
- Complete and submit Reflection Form provided by CareerTek