How to Get Vital Job Information - job shadowing and other techniques

Career World, Oct, 2001 by Tamra B. Orr

Confucius says, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Here's how to make sure you're making the right choice!

Choices, choices, choices--they can seem endless. Which book should you pick for the book report you have to do next week? Where does your new poster look best? Should you hang out with friends tonight or start on that research paper?

What about the bigger decisions in life? What career do I want? What am I going to do after high school? What kind of job am I really suited for? Just as Indiana Jones was told, this is a time to "choose wisely." Three ways to help you do just that are job shadowing, informational interviewing, and interning.

Me and My Shadow

Job shadowing is following someone who has a career you're interested in, to see what the job entails. To find a person to shadow, talk to your guidance counselor first to find out if your school already has some type of program set up. You can also contact area trade schools, colleges, and career centers. If they don't have any programs, it's up to you to create your own.

Check out Web sites such as www.jobshadow.org or www.jobshadow.monster.com. Write down your top interests and see how they relate to a career. If you like to write, try shadowing someone at a local publishing house or newspaper. If you like to draw, connect with an artist, graphic designer, or cartoonist. If math is your favorite subject, shadow an accountant or bank teller.

Steven Rothberg, president and founder of CollegeRecruiter.com, says, "Competencies, interests, and values can help determine what kind of job is right. Students need to ask themselves what they are good at, what they like to do, and what is important to them."

Once you have found someone you'd like to shadow, you need to contact him or her to set it up. You can do this through a letter or by making an appointment to meet. If you choose to write, include who you are, why you want this opportunity, how you can be reached, and what you are looking for from this experience. If you're going in person, make sure that you are stopping in at a convenient time, not at a peak rush hour.

After the appointment is set up, you need to get prepared. Plan your wardrobe carefully. Wear professional-looking clothes--this isn't the time for jeans. Prepare the questions you want to ask ahead of time. Take a notebook with you to jot down more questions as they occur, as well as the answers you receive. If you're going on a school day, make sure you have the necessary permission.

Set up your transportation for getting there and back. Remember to allow enough time for contingencies such as having to go a different route because of construction. It's a good idea to make a dry run so you know exactly where the appointment is and how to get there.

Be on time. Greet the person with a handshake and make direct eye contact. Be friendly and listen carefully to what you're told.

Here are some questions to ask the person as you shadow him or her throughout the day:

* How did you get started in this career?

* What do you like and dislike most about the job?

* What skills and education are required?

* What is a typical day like?

* What advice would you give to those considering this same career?

* What is your perception of the job outlook?

* What are some of the surprises you've had in this job?

* Who else might I talk to for additional information?

When you have finished, thank the person for his or her time. Follow up with a written thank-you note.

Occasionally the person you want to shadow cannot have you follow him or her, and so you might request an informational interview, in which you meet at a scheduled time and ask the same questions as those above. You also can conduct an informational interview over the phone, but it's best to meet in person on the job site. These interviews may not give you a firsthand look at the job, but you can still gather a great deal of information. Sometimes they'll confirm for you that this is the career path you want to follow--and sometimes they quickly demonstrate to you that you need to keep looking!

Interning Time

An internship can give you even better insight into a job. Internships last far longer, anywhere from several days to several months--like a temporary job. With an internship, you will be working in a place within your area of interest. You will have a boss or supervisor to report to and responsibilities to fulfill. You may even have a review of your performance. Sometimes there's a paycheck, but usually this is an unpaid position.

Employers often welcome having interns because young people are enthusiastic and interested. They also realize that it's a way to save money and screen potential employees. The perks for you are many--you learn different facets of the job, make contact with people in the field, gain valuable job experience, learn how to use new tools and equipment, expand your resume, and create the possibility of future employment.