Shorewood Students Get a Taste of the Real World
by Judy Browning

Job Shadows and Internships Open Eyes and Minds About Career Choices

It's not everyday that students get an opportunity to spend time with great chefs, theater set builders, jet mechanics, and numerous industry professionals throughout the greater Seattle area. But, that is exactly what over 450 Shorewood students did throughout the school year.

All too often, it’s hard to for many students to figure out what adults do when they go to work each day. It can be even more difficult to relate classroom studies, technical training, or college majors to what students end up doing when they “grow up”.

That is why Shorewood Job Shadows and Internships are a valuable step in the career planning process. They enable students to spend time with adults working in a variety of interesting fields, offering insights to what they spend their work days doing and how they got there in the first place.  

Here are just a few examples of what some Shorewood students

A Taste of Culinary Excellence
"My experience at Canlis has reinforced my goals and allowed me to see how a successful kitchen operates.  I learned a lot by working all the stations and observing the set ­ up.  I have always wanted to be a chef; now I know I will be."   - Johana Bonnell  

"Interning at Canlis was a wonderful experience.  It definitely forced me to step out of my comfort zone and confront new situations.  I worked in a new environment completing tasks more difficult than I thought I was capable of.  Working there gave me a sense of satisfaction in myself that I had not experienced before."    - Ann Dahlgren

Serious Career Liftoff!
"Job Shadowing a pilot involved a short flight in a twin engine Cessna and a preflight check of a Boeing 777 preparing to leave for Japan.  The opportunity to fly in the Cessna allowed me to get an authentic feel for flying and find out if I could stomach it.  The preflight of the 777 brought me as close to the real world of commercial flying as I could possibly get due to the FAA regulations that do not permit civilians to be in the cockpit.  This was a very enjoyable opportunity to explore a possible future career."    - Eric Santroch

Making Sure the Show Goes On
"I shadowed a stage manager at the Market Theatre. I shadowed the spot operator which was a great experience.  I loved it!  Theatre has now become my new world." 
  - Jennifer McLaughlin

Getting Pets Back to Health
"My Job Shadow took place at a Veterinary Clinic.  I was able to observe a number of procedures such as spays, neuters, and teeth extractions.  This experience was  very interesting and I am grateful for the opportunity to explore this career, but I discovered becoming a veterinarian is just not for me."  - Heather Hooper

You CAN Be a Rock and Roll Star!
"My Job Shadow experience took me to the Northern Stars Recording Studio.  My shadow host was Jennifer Savage and her band Radiostar, a fun and very talented group.  This experience was not only fun but filled with a lot of new information for me.  I have always wanted to pursue a career in the music industry and this s experience has confirmed the plan of my dreams."   
 - Christina Zawaiden

Community Plays a Key Role

A critical element of these successful Job Shadows is a dedicated community. For every student that participated, a busy professional spent precious time out of their busy day to get to know their student and share valuable tips and advice.

While it does take time, the common feedback was that it was not only worthwhile for the students but for the adults as well.  

If you are a professional interested in participating in upcoming Shorewood Job Shadows and would like to learn more, please contact the Shorewood Career Center via email or phone (206-361-4385).

Judy Browning is a Shorewood High School Career Center Specialist. She can be reached at 206-361-4385 or  judy.browning@shorelineschools.org