What is JOB SHADOWING?
Job shadowing is an opportunity to give students first-hand knowledge and experience in exploring the world-of-work. A student with a career interest is matched with, observes, and interacts with an adult in that career in the workplace. Students have an opportunity to learn about the education, skill requirements, and characteristics of the job.

Who participates in JOB SHADOWING?
Students from grades 8-12 who have demonstrated an interest in a particular occupation or career path.
Business/industry employees, managers, and owners who share an interest in helping youth learn more about career opportunities in our area.

How does JOB SHADOWING work?
After a student has explored career choices in school, he/she chooses an occupational area, is matched with an employee in a similar field and is excused for 3 hours or more during the regular school day to job shadow. Job shadowing is considered a student field trip and is an extension of the student's school day. Permission slips from a parent are required. Students must follow company health and safety rules while at the worksite and are only able to observe work activities.

Why is JOB SHADOWING important?
Job shadowing enhances students' career awareness and career planning. It provides the business community with an opportunity to invest in the future by helping youth explore careers and see the value of education.
It helps parents, youth, educators, and business to work together for the benefit of all.

JOB SHADOWING GUIDELINES
For Business/Industry Volunteers

HERE COMES THE STUDENT... NOW WHAT DO I DO?

Thank you for your willingness to participate as a job shadowing volunteer. You play an important role in a student's career exploration and planning. The actual experience of observing and participating in a job shadowing situation is both motivational and educational. Here are a few guidelines to make your time a successful experience.

PREPARATION

  1. Students/parents are responsible for providing transportation to the workplace.
  2. Review the Student Job Shadowing Interview Guide to get an understanding of the types of questions students will be asking.
  3. Review the Student Profile to learn more about the student who will be shadowing you; this may help you engage the student in conversation.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

  1. Students have explored careers and have expressed an interest in your career.
  2. As part of this experience, students will complete the following assignments:
    An interview sheet about the job shadowing experience
    Update their Education/Employment Development Plan
    An evaluation form
    Add completed assignments to their portfolios
  3. Job Shadowing is for all students - they will have varying abilities and strengths. You will be notified in advance if any special accommodations are needed.

LEGAL/LIABILITY ISSUES

  1. The purpose of lob Shadowing is to observe and learn about another person's job. Students should not perform the job or be involved in any work activities. They should only observe.
  2. Students are actually on a school-sponsored field trip. Parents and/or legal guardians have signed and returned permission forms. During the job shadowing visit, you need to provide constant adult supervision and compliance with your company's health and safety rules.
  3. Your company's general liability insurance should provide necessary coverage in case of any personal injury accident claims. Contact your insurance agent for additional information or see the "Guide to Work-Based Learning: Business & Industry Risk Management Plan" available from the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at this website.

THE DAY "ON-THE-JOB"

  1. Student safety is of paramount importance. Please provide an overview of your company's health and safety policies and rules. We also require that your company have general business liability insurance coverage. In the event of an emergency, please contact the student's school.
  2. Give the students realistic, up-to-date and practical information about your career area; don't feel that you have to entertain them. It is best if they see what actually goes on in your job so they get an accurate view of a normal working day.
  3. Help students find relevance between necessary job skills and related school subjects, and encourage students to stay in school and plan for their future.
  4. The following key points should be covered during the job shadowing experience:

Overview of the job:

  • General overview of position
  • Hours and working conditions
  • Clients, customers, team members
  • Equipment, tools, and materials used
  • Managing change for continuous improvement
  • Overview of company's philosophy
  • Your work goals (tie in with need for advance planning)
  • Performance reviews (compare to report card)

Skills & Requirements:

  • Training, education and work experience needed
  • Licensing (tests and exams)
  • Unions or professional affiliations
  • Personal qualifications/characteristics
  • Importance of teamwork - good interpersonal skills needed
  • Good oral and written communication skills

Trends and Opportunities:

  • Equal opportunity
  • Employment outlook
  • How to get "your foot in the door"
  • Related jobs
  • Effect of economic change on the occupation

Earnings and Promotions:

  • Beginning level and steps of advancement
  • Salary range for this occupation in industry
  • Opportunities for transfers or promotions

Steps to Take to Prepare for the Job:

  • Necessary high school courses
  • Necessary academic and occupational skills
  • Related work-based learning opportunities
  • Advanced training and continuing education options
  • Clubs, organizations, affiliations which are advantageous
  • Helpful skills or general background knowledge
  • Volunteer work

Where to Find Further Information:

  • Written literature or sources
  • Other people or organizations willing to provide information/tours
  • Clubs or organizations which specialize in this field (Explorer Posts, 4-H, Scouts)
  1. Students will complete an interview form and a summary of their experience. Please help them get names and titles of anyone involved in their shadowing experience.
  2. Other Suggested Activities:
    Introduce the student to the staff Tour the facility (if this is practical)
    Explain the job the student is observing Show him/her examples of your work
    Expose the student to the same routine a new hire would experience

FOLLOW-UP

Following the shadowing experience, please complete an evaluation form and return it via e-mail or to the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at 901 Saginaw Street, Bay City, MI 48708; FAX (989) 895-5594. Your feedback will be used to improve the process.

© 2003, Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Revised: April 1, 2003