Job Shadow Project Outline
Definition of job shadow:
Job shadowing is a career exploration strategy. Job shadowing is an academically motivating activity that gives students the opportunity to visit the work environment and experience the day-to-day activities of the workplace.
Assignment Goals for students:
1. Provides an answer to the questions, "Why do I have to learn this?" and "Would I want to make this job a career?"
2. Gives a view into all aspects involved in a job. Students can observe not only job characteristics and responsibilities, but also what each profession requires on a day‑to‑day basis
3. Lets students learn first‑hand what it takes to make it in their fields of interest from the people who know best – working professionals.
4. Motivates students to expand and meet their educational career goal
5. Helps students understand the skills needed to be successful in the workplace and
6. Helps students understand how classroom activities and curriculum requirements relate to the work environment
Job Shadow Experience Proposal
Student Name____________________:__________________________________________________
Name of person to be shadowed and interviewed:__________________________________________
Job site: ____________________________________________________________
Location, address and _______________________________________
phone number of job site: _______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Date of job shadow/interview: _____________________________________________________
Examples of Questions to Ask During Job Shadow
(You may use this list to select your interview questions from. Please add any questions that you want to as well)
Introduction
What is your occupation and job title?
How did you become interested in this type of work?
Why did you choose this career?
How did you get your job with this company?
Qualifications
What type of education and/or training were required for this job?
What classes did you take in college that prepared you for your job?
Did you have to interview, take any tests, complete an internship or apprenticeship for this position?
What kind of experience was required for this job?
What personality traits are important for this job?
What kind of technical knowledge is required for this job?
How are technology demands increasing or changing?
Duties
How many hours do you work in a typical week?
Are certain times of the month or year busier than other times?
What kinds of things are you required to do as part of your job?
Are you required to supervise other employees as part of your job?
Do you have to depend on others in order to accomplish your job?
Do you take work home?
Do you work a shift? What choices do you have in making your work schedule?
Salary and Benefits
What are the salary ranges for different levels in this field?
What types of fringe benefits are offered to you for your job?
How are "raises" earned?
What is the opportunity for advancement in this area?
Personal Satisfaction
What do you like best about your job?
What don't your like about your job?
How has your company kept up with technology and progressive business
management techniques?
How does your job affect your time away from work?
What are the job opportunities for this area of work?
What kind of personal satisfaction do you get from your job?
Miscellaneous
What advice would you give a student interested in this career?
What changes do you see in this area within the next 5‑10 years?
Job Shadow Experience Sheet
Student:___________________________________
Job site: ____________________________________________________________
Location, address and _______________________________________
phone number of job site: _______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Date of job shadow: _____________________________________________________
Person shadowed: _______________________________________________________
• Describe the job of the person you shadowed.
• From your perspective (your interests, values, abilities, and goals) identify aspects of the job that were:
positive:
negative:
• What training/education is required for this job and where did you get it?
• List any classes at your NC State which might teach skills that would be necessary for the job you shadowed. (Include both class name and skills)
• Did the job shadowing experience influence your career choice/goals? How?
Student signature (for academic integrity purposes)________________________________
Date submitted: _______________________
Things to remember
· Be on time
· Introduce yourself
who you are
where you go to school
why you are doing this
what your interests are (skills, majors, goals)
what you hope to gain from the experience
· Prepare for the interview by preselecting your questions (we will work on these in class)
· Tape record the interview or take notes (ask for permission to do this)
· Dress appropriately (your goal should be to dress similar to the employees at the jobsite)
· Be courteous and ask for any special guidelines you need to follow while at the jobsite
· Use professional behavior (we will discuss in class)
· Make careful observations
· Remember to be a good listener
· Ask questions!