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What Students Are Saying
About Job Shadow Experiences
by Judy Browning
Hundreds
of Shorewood students participate in Job Shadows with local
businesses and organizations each school year. Some find the job
of their dreams. Others find that a certain job just is not what
they expected. Either way, each student gains new insights and
knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their
respective futures.
Here
are just a few comments from actual students about their Job
Shadow experiences:
Firefighters
"At first, when I got word of this assignment, I thought that
a job shadow would be an inconvenience and very boring. To my
surprise, it was great! This experience has helped me greatly in
deciding on a career, and I definitely want to do this again
sometime."
Lawyers
"Im glad that we were assigned this otherwise I dont
feel that I would have had the opportunity or even thought of
doing a job shadow."
Computer Software Programmers
"This job shadow re-established my interest in this career.
The initial research and exploration taught me with numbers and
figures, while the shadow taught me by experience. By being
involved in a day in the life of a "Software Architect,"
I gained a much better understanding of what it would be like to
work as one."
"My undertakings over the last six weeks have taught me
important, applicable lessons in my life. I learned about a
possible career interest, and I have a better understanding of how
these people live and work. I have learned something about
myself and my interests, and have discovered values I never knew I
had. The exploration I undertook over the last few weeks had
proved itself beneficial and will stand out as an important part
of my education. I think it will help me make decisions that
will steer me in a good direction."
Nursing
"At the beginning of the career exploration, I thought the
whole thing was a pointless waste of time. After the Job Shadow, I
was excited about the project and would have done it again. I
think the entire career project has given me some options to
consider. The experience of meeting new people and getting to view
a bit of the working world, I believe will become beneficial in
applying for jobs in the future."
Photographer
"Some things can not be absorbed through a book or an
interview but demand a first-hand account. I learned about
the importance of a steady job, and the reason many people opt to
work for a large company. A paycheck is guaranteed and will
not depend on the number of customers you serve. The J. C. Penney
job is very attractive, for a job but not a career. The pay is
decent, the hours are convenient and regular, and you get to play
with kids and cameras all day."
News Anchor
"My job shadow experience was wonderful! I visited KIRO
TV and was lucky enough to watch the 5:00 News. I must say
that was pretty much in awe the entire time. When I
asked the news anchor, Susan Hutchinson, what was the best class
in high school that prepared her for this job, she replied without
even thinking about it. Writing was the absolute best subject one
could learn for this job!"
Bookkeeper
"During my job shadow I learned something very important.
I don't want to sit behind a desk all day, every day."
Pilot
"After my job shadow was over, my research in the library
done, I have come to a conclusion. I want to be a pilot and
will try my hardest to become one. I will never forget this
experience."
Video Game Designer
"When the job shadow was over, I felt I had a head start into
what I wanted to do. My shadow gave me an outline to
follow in life if I wanted to become a video game designer.
This new found knowledge will certainly help me in the future."
Physician
"I think this was an extremely valuable experience because I
was able to see both the positive and negative parts of the
job."
Pediatrician
"I learned a lot of new things that I would not have known
with this job shadow. At first I thought I wanted this
job just to make money, but then I realized that I would make a
difference in children's and families lives.
Music Industry
"The next step in finding a career was going to a job shadow.
This was quite an exciting experience. After he
saw my interest in music, I got a job. This is not a paying
job, but an experience of doing odd jobs in exchange for studio
recording time. I hope this will help me learn about the
business and perhaps "get my foot in the door" for a
better job further down the road."
Judy Browning
is a Shorewood High School Career Center Specialist. She can be
reached at 206-361-4385 or judy.browning@shorelineschools.org
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