Job Shadowing
The importance of higher education has progressed to a point where internships and pre-graduating experience has become a necessary element to the path of employment and graduation. Some departments within Ball State have internships as a requirement to graduate. The importance of preparing students with the necessary skill set to graduate is great but how do you know what internship or company is right for you. A job shadow is the quickest and simplest way to get a feel for a company. Going on a job shadow is a great way for students within their sophomore to senior year to get a feel for what profession they want to do after graduation.
What’s a job shadow?
A job shadow is basically what it sounds like. You choose a position within an industry you’re interested in (job) and set up a time to follow someone around and observe their daily routine (shadow).
Benefits of job shadowing
It’s a positive experience that can lead to great networking and contacts that you can use during your job search. Most importantly you show the will and desire to learn more about a area your really interested in and employers look for candidates with these qualities. Lastly, if you’re on the fence about what area within a profession to choose, a job shadow allows you to way those decisions. Personally, I went on a job shadow this week with a lobbyist for Insurance Institute of Indiana. This experience allowed me to get a feel if lobbying or public affairs would be for me. I networked and made some great contacts in one day and it allowed me to focus on my future.
How do you get started?
First, you should look for jobs that interests you , match your degree, and try to think about your future. Make a list of companies within your state or nearby states that interest you. Next, once you have made your list, contact them, make the conversation personable, and then try to schedule a job shadow. Another option that worked for me was using my contacts of friends; family or professionals that would be able to help. Networking is the easiest way to gain contacts for your job shadow and possibly your career.
Have fun and take advantage of job shadows because they allow you to get an idea of what a company or area of your field is like. Being proactive and professional about your career makes you stand out for the crowd.
Will
