Networking | Job Shadowing
Job shadowing is a short-term experience that can last an hour or a day that gives you an opportunity to learn more about careers or occupations that interest you. It also give you the opportunity to “pick the brain” of the individual you are shadowing to learn more about the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to work in the field.
Why Job Shadow?
Job shadowing helps many students discover a new field fit for them. Shadowing can also help students realize what they thought they wanted to do may not be the right fit, so they continue to explore professions. When classes feel rough, shadowing can reinvigorate you by helping you remember your passion. Also, don’t forget, most competitive professional programs require job shadow hours.
How Do I Shadow?
There are several ways to find shadowing experiences:
- Decide on a career path (or two!) that you would like to learn more about
- Reach out to family, friends, alumni, and industry professionals currently doing that work
- Find and connect with alumni on LinkedIn
- A number of organizations, particularly in the healthcare, have shadowing programs listed on their website
Initiate Contact
This step can be unnerving if you’ve never done it before, but with practice and preparation, it will get easier. Here’s are recommendation on how to proceed.
- Notify the person by phone, email, or LinkedIn message.
- Clarify your intention | “I am a University of Redlands student majoring in Health, Medicine, and Society with a career goal of becoming an Occupational Therapist. I wanted to see if you’d be open to me shadowing you for a couple of hours in the coming weeks. I appreciate your time and consideration.”
- Ask for a date and time to shadow.
- Be gracious for the opportunity and prepare a few questions to ask during the shadow experience.
