When considering career options, job shadowing provides a great opportunity to find out if a job is a right fit. Observing a professional in their work environment provides real-world insight into what a role truly involves. Whether it’s for a single day or up to a week, job shadowing facilitates a front-row seat to the day-to-day responsibilities of a potential career—without the expectations of hands-on participation.
Unlike internships, which often involve completing tasks and contributing to a team, job shadowing is purely observational. Still, it’s a powerful tool in determining if a certain role or industry aligns with your interests and skills.
In the medical field, this kind of experience is often called an observership. Though the terminology differs, observerships share the same purpose as job shadowing—to give participants insight into the typical tasks of a career. In some cases, observerships are offered over a longer period of time and expose participants to a range of medical practices. While this guide is geared toward job shadowing, the advice applies just as well to observerships.
Students exploring career options or professionals seeking a new direction should follow Earn Up’s tips to find and make the most of a job shadowing experience.
How to Find a Job Shadowing Opportunity
Job shadowing opportunities are not typically posted on job boards, and many companies don’t have formal programs. More often, these opportunities are created through personal connections and planned on a case-by-case basis.
Start by tapping into family, friends or LinkedIn connections. Ask if they know someone open to hosting a job shadowing experience. Conducting an informational interview is a great way to learn more about the role and open the doors for a future shadowing opportunity.
Do Your Homework Before You Shadow
It’s helpful to come into a job shadowing experience with some background knowledge. Do some basic research to supplement the information learned in the informational interview. Look into industry basics and become familiar with the company’s service areas, clients and mission. Additionally, connecting with company employees on LinkedIn or other social media platforms provides a glimpse into the workplace environment and array of job responsibilities.
Use these research findings to prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the host. These questions could touch on their day-to-day experiences, challenges in the field or broader industry .
Show Up Ready to Succeed
When the day arrives, dress appropriately for the work environment. In an office setting, business casual or professional attire is best, particularly when joining client meetings. When shadowing in a hands-on environment—like a factory or construction site—wear sturdy shoes and functional clothing. Bring a notepad to jot down notes and resumes to share with potential professional connections.
Maximize the Job Shadowing Experience
Pay close attention to how professionals carry out their work. Consider these questions throughout the experience:
- What skills do they rely on?
- What challenges do they face?
- How do they communicate and collaborate with others?
If possible, connect with other team members and learn about their roles as well. You may discover a position that’s an even better match for your interests and abilities. Don’t hesitate to ask about shadowing others during your visit or return another day to learn more about another role.
Follow Up and Stay Connected
After your job shadowing experience, be sure to follow up with a handwritten note to the host, expressing appreciation for their time and willingness to share their expertise. Showing gratitude will leave a lasting impression. Consider thanking other team members you worked with and connect on LinkedIn to continue building professional connections.
Job shadowing is a low-risk, high-reward way to test the waters of a potential career. It can confirm your interest in a field or reveal that it’s not the right fit—which is just as valuable. The insights you gain will help facilitate more informed career decisions and can serve as strong talking points in future interviews or cover letters.
If you left the job shadowing experiencing feeling like the role isn’t a match, reach out to your network for new opportunities. With each job shadowing experience, finding a role that aligns with your passions and strengths gets closer. As you navigate your career journey, Earn Up is here with available resources and connections across industries in Northeast Florida.
