Exploring Careers Through Job Shadowing

Exploring Careers Through Job ShadowingExploring Careers Through Job ShadowingJob shadowing is a career exploration activity that offers an opportunity to spend time with a professional currently working in your career field of interest. Job shadowing offers a chance to see what its actually like working in a specific job. Not only do job shadowers get to observe the day-to-day activities of someone already employed in the industry youre interested in, job shadowers get a chance to have their questions answered. Explore Your Career Options Career exploration is the second phase of the career planning process. Once the first phase of self-assessment is completed, it is then time for you to learn mora about the vast array of career options that currently exist. Of course, the internet offers a multitude of resources from which you can learn about careers. ONet OnLine, The Occupational Outlook Handbook, and WetFeet are just three of the offerings. You can also check the Career Servi ces Office at your college to see if they can recommend additional resources. In addition to reading about the career options that exist, gaining exposure and first-hand experience through job shadowing (as well as internships) can make the difference between assuming what a potential career would be like and experiencing it first-hand by working on-site. How to Snag a Job Shadowing Experience First, check with your college to see if they offer a formal job shadowing program through their Career Services Office. If not, career counselors can be an enormous help in either helping you find a potential job shadowing opportunity or pointing you in the right direction. The alumni of your college may also know of businesses (either large or small) that offer job shadowing and government agencies often offer job shadowing programs for students. Dont be shy about going direct and reaching out to any organization that interest you to see if there is someone currently working in your car eer field of interest who would be interested in hosting a job shadower. Even its for a few days over the summer or during one of your college breaksthe experience would be helpful. How to Prepare for Your job Shadow Position You want to make sure you make a good first impression so be sure to check out the dress code beforehand. If youre in contact with your job shadow sponsor, dont hesitate to ask about theappropriate dress code for your department or team. Becausejob shadowing is similar to information interviewing, preparing a list of questions beforehand is essential to getting the most out of the experience. Once the shadowing experience is over, immediately send out a thank you note that highlights what you enjoyed (and learned) the most and express your gratitude to the job shadow sponsor who took the time to work with you. Job Shadowing for Career Changers Job shadowing can also be a good path for those in the process of changing careers. Not only can a job shadow pro vide more information than youll find online, it offers a first-hand look at the culture of the organization. The importance of a good cultural fit cant be underscored enough. In addition to possessing the relevant knowledge and skills to successfully completing a job, fitting in with the overall culture and getting along with team members is crucial to not only your success but happiness. Career changers possess a lot of transferable skills that they can bring to a new job. However, depending on the nature of the change, additional training or education may be required.