Voyager: Direction for Learning & Careers®

Class 2016 Job Shadowing Handbook

Voyager Mission:

To prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s skilled workers.

Minneapolis Regional Chamber Development Foundation

Copyright © 2000

All Rights Reserved

Name:______

Welcome to Job Shadowing

This handbook has been prepared to explain the job shadowing event and to provide guidelines for your participation. As representatives of the Voyager program, we expect you to present yourselves to the business community as responsible, educated young adults seeking information that can help you make career choices for your future. Please keep in mind our character traits of honesty, respect, responsibility and integrity as you follow the necessary steps to making this experience a learning one for you and a pleasant and meaningful one for your selected business partner.

Job Shadow Description

You will be given the opportunity to interview and shadow someone in a career of interest to you and enjoy a “hands-on” experience as well. Your instructor will help you connect with someone and with excusing you from school. Transportation will be your responsibility. You will be visiting facilities where business is going on as usual and the person you are shadowing with will need to perform his/her own duties while you are shadowing. Please remember that they are giving you their time and expertise and all aspects of your behavior and attentiveness should indicate your understanding and appreciation.

General Expectations

Appearance

You will want to present a positive image.

You are required to wear the suit jacket that was provided to you by the Voyager program.

Be well groomed. Hair should be clean and combed in a presentable style.

Keep jewelry and makeup to a minimum.

Follow the same rules as you would a “real interview”.

Behaviors

Stay with the person you are assigned to shadow unless they have directed you to shadow another individual.

You may NOT smoke, chew gum, carry beverages or food into their place of business.

Be understanding if a business transaction interrupts your shadowing experience. Remember these businesses have work in progress that may take priority - sometime during your visit.

The person you are shadowing may provide lunch for you – please use good table manners.

Arrive on time. You are required to remain at the job shadow for a minimum of 4 hours.

If you are sick and can not make your appointment, you must call the person who you are shadowing to reschedule. Also, notify me - W: (612) 805-4076. Any “no shows” will not be rescheduled, unless it was a family emergency and your parent/guardian calls me.

You will be required to set aside some time during the day to interview the person you are shadowing. Questions have been provided in this packet.

Be prepared to answer questions from the person you are shadowing.

Collect any brochures or handouts to use for your oral presentation.

Job Shadow Expectations

List below three expectations you have for the shadowing experience. Please include these in your oral report, to reflect on whether or not your expectations were met.

1.

2.

3.

Interview Questions

The following questions will help you with your shadowing experience. Throughout the day, interview your host and answer ALL the following questions. You may add questions of your own that you feel are appropriate.

  1. How would you describe a typical day at your job?
  2. What the best aspect of your job?
  3. What’s the worst aspect of your job?
  4. How did you decide to do this type of work?
  5. Do you work alone or part of a team?
  6. How does your job connect with the overall company?
  7. Do you work with companies in other countries?
  8. What kind of education and experience was required for you job?
  9. What classes do you feel were most important to prepare you for work?

  1. Were there any teachers/mentors that played a role in your decision?
  2. Do you receive any training on the job? What kind?
  3. What previous experience did you find useful for this job?
  4. What skills or interests do you use the most at your job?
  5. What advice would you have for someone entering this field of work?
  6. Can you recommend any other people or businesses that I can contact for additional information?
  7. Is there any additional advice or questions you have for me?
Power Point Presentation

After you have completed your job shadow experience, you will be required to compose a PowerPoint presentation on your experience. If you present it to the class, you will get extra credit. Your presentation should be about 3-5 minutes in length. Be sure you gather visual aids from the company. Try to include a picture of you and the person you shadowed.

The following are the FIVE areas you have to include in your PowerPoint.

I.Expectations

Three expectations you had before you went

Discussion of whether or not expectations were met

II.Experience

List your daily activities (from the time you arrived and left)

Pick ONLYfive questions from the interview and share answers to each.

III. REFLECTION

Reflect on: what you especially liked, what surprised you, what was most interesting, and what did you learn

IV. Conclusions

Least enjoyable part, if any

Would you like to work at their company, why? Or why not?

IV.Recommendations

What would have made your experience more valuable

What suggestions would you offer for improving the shadow experience

Thank You Letter

April 10, 2014

Ms. Jane Doe

Title

Company Name

Address

City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms. Doe:

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to shadow you on Wednesday,April 9, 2014. I really appreciated the time you gave me to learn about COMPANY NAME and your job. After meeting with you, I really believe I have a much better idea of the skills I will need to succeed in the workplace and an increased knowledge of the different positions that are available at COMPANY NAME.

I also enjoyed (expand on other highlights of the day or mention something you particularly found interesting like meeting co-workers, attending meetings)

Thanks again for the great opportunity! I know this experience will help me in planning my future goals.

Sincerely,

Jane Anderson

Voyager Student

Junior Voyager Student

(Job Shadow Volunteer Confirmation)

Job Shadow Volunteer’s Responsibilities:

  • Half day commitment (two hours minimum);
  • Give the student the opportunity to interview you and ask questions;
  • Introduce students to other employees in your organization;
  • Attend meetings with the student;
  • Take the student to lunch (optional).

Student’s Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for transportation to and from the job shadow;
  • Be punctual and courteous;
  • Stay with the job shadow volunteer, unless otherwise directed;
  • Be prepared to interview the job shadow volunteer;
  • Be prepared to be interviewed by the job shadow volunteer;
  • Collect any brochures or handouts that may be helpful in the oral presentation.

Confirmation Information:

Student Name:

Date of Job Shadow: Time of Shadow:

Job Shadow Volunteer:

Title:

Organization:

Address:

Volunteer Phone:

Volunteer Email Address:

Location Where Volunteer Will Meet Student:

Questions see Mrs. Poelstra, (612)668-1336;