FORWARD

Career Planning
and Vocational Assessment

Course Map

Downloads

Discussion

Web Issues

Career Exploration: Job Shadowing

Job shadowing gives the job seeker the chance to observe people as they perform their jobs. These experences are chosen based on potential interest, and is unpaid and generally brief. There is a national job shadowing program designed for students that illustrates the concept.

In larger businesses, the individual might arrange to shadow several different people in different departments to get an understanding of the different careers and tasks in an industry.

When job shadowing, the person needs to follow all the policies and guidelines of the business, including dress, safety rules, emergency response, and other procedures. There might also be a requirement for written permission, medical authorizations and other paperwork. Thus, the person might need preparation and support prior to and during the shadowing experience.