Job Shadow, in its most traditional sense, is a program for students to find out what it is like to be in a specific profession

Profession

A profession is a vocation founded upon specialized educational training, the purpose of which is to supply disinterested counsel and service to others, for a direct and definite compensation, wholly apart from expectation of other business gain....

. This helps the student to choose the college program (higher education/training) and subsequently the profession that they would like to choose. However, the act of job shadowing is also utilized by college students or by non-student adults simply wanting to experience a particular career opportunity. In either, the shadower will follow the professional and observe their daily work.

The Job Shadow program requires an employee/company to partner with the school.

Typical steps involved in the Job Shadow program:

• Schools seek out companies/professionals for sponsoring students for this program.
• School publishes the list of available job shadow positions with information regarding job descriptions, job codes, special requirements, and job availability.
• Students sign up and get selected based on availability/requirements/preferences.
• Student fills out a packet of information including emergency contact information, medical treatment authorization, program liability release form, and student resume.
• Shadow orientation meeting with the students including job, host, meeting location, and contact information.
• Actual Job Shadow

External links

• JobShadow.org
• University of Toronto Extern Program
• Junior Achievement online job shadows
• VirtualJobShadow.com