Career Services Office

Students & Alumni - Major Decisions

Steps - Learn About Occupations - Job Shadowing

What is job shadowing?
Job shadowing is a work experience option where students learn about a job by walking through the work day as a shadow to a competent worker. It is a temporary, unpaid exposure to the workplace in an occupational area of interest to the student. Students witness firsthand the work environment, employability and occupational skills in practice, the value of professional training and potential career options. Job shadowing is another way to gain knowledge and experience about different occupations. It can be the outgrowth of an informational interview or other sources. At your interview, you might be asked if you would like to stay longer than the planned time for the interview; thus your informational interview segues into a job shadowing experience. When you job shadow, you spend a day or a portion of the day with someone who is working. During that period of time, you should observe and ask them questions about what they do. By “shadowing” someone else while they do their job, you can learn what is required for different jobs and careers and see which ones you are interested in pursuing. Almost any workplace is a potential job shadowing site. Job shadowing may not give you a complete picture of a job or a career, but it will give you a sneak preview.

What is the difference between job shadowing and informational interviewing?

Job Shadowing:

  • Puts the burden of the experience on the professional
  • Is a request to an employer in order for the student to determine career interests by observing the work of the professional for a period of time at their workplace.
  • Will take a substantial portion of the workday for the professional.
  • Consumes a substantial amount of time for the professional in order to be sure that a quality experience is provided.

Informational Interviewing:

  • Puts the burden of the experience on the student
  • Is a face-to-face or a telephone conversation whereby the student is asking questions about the professional’s career and career path.
  • Rarely lasts more than one hour; usually a request of 20-30 minutes is appropriate.
  • Will give the student a realistic picture of the professional’s career path
  • Will give the student specific information about careers and a realistic view of the profession
  • Can be an excellent method of including and excluding certain careers.

Purpose of job shadowing?
Job Shadowing is designed to increase career awareness, help model behavior through examples and reinforce the link between classroom learning and work requirements. Its purpose is also to gather information about specific careers by observing professionals in their places of business. Job shadowing allows students to view actual work/tasks being performed on a regular basis to assist students in the career decision making process. This experience allows you to see whether or not you would enjoy the job or one very similar. You may discover that the field is perfect for you or not suited for you at all.

How can I find someone to shadow?
Talk to professors, parents, coaches, and friends about your interests and ask them if they know someone who you can shadow. Job shadowing is less intensive than volunteering or interning, but it can give you a sense of the choices open to you and what you need to do if you want to pursue a particular career. You can get a first-hand understanding of the relevance of academics to the world-of-work.

Preparation for job shadowing
Observe the following guidelines to ensure this is a positive experience for everyone involved:

  • Make sure all the arrangements are made well in advance.
  • Show up on time, and dresses appropriately.
  • Be prepared. Do research on the company and the career field.
  • Be observant and take notes. Ask questions. You are there to learn.
  • Try not to interfere with the daily routine of the organization

Sample letter requesting a job shadowing experience

12345 Michigan Avenue Dearborn, MI 48128

Date

Mr. Charles S. Wolf, Auditor Company Name Street Address City, State ZIP

Dear Mr. Wolf:

As a junior majoring in business administration at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, I am considering several career options regarding my business major. One of my areas of interest is auditing. Your name was given to me by Professor Adams from UM-Dearborn as a possible professional to shadow.

I am interested in shadowing professionals in this field and Dr. Adams highly recommends you as a contact person. I believe that by actually observing the tasks you perform on a regular basis and the skills you are using most frequently, I will get a better sense of the career I am considering. I am requesting any amount of time you would be able to provide. A half-day would be greatly appreciated, however, I realize you have many responsibilities and this may not be possible. I would also like to spend a little time asking you about the accounting industry and your career path experience.

Thank you for considering my request. I have included my resume and will contact you within two weeks to inquire about the possibility of scheduling this experience. Should you wish to contact me before then, I can be reached at 313-555-1234.

Sincerely,

Gordon Blume

Enclosure: resume