Many students at colleges and universities nationwide take time from their semester break to "shadow" a professional to learn more about the field and to get a taste of working life.
So what's the best way to go about becoming a shadow? Many colleges and universities have official shadowing or externship programs. Others work with students individually. And sometimes, you can set up shadowing experiences on your own, with family, friends, or acquaintances—or by contacting a company or organization that you know offers the sort of experience you're seeking. But generally, it's best to work through a career services office, where counselors and advisers can provide guidance and opportunities.
If you're in your sophomore or junior year in college, you'll benefit from a job-shadowing experience. Here are some ways to go about setting up a shadowing experience, preparing for it, and using it to your best advantage:
- Visit your college or university career services center and find out if it has a shadowing or externship program.
- Schedule an appointment with the person who coordinates the program. If no program is available, ask to speak to an adviser who can help you find your own shadowing experience.
- Complete any application forms and/or essays and make sure you have a neatly prepared, current resume.
- Go to any required interviews dressed professionally and ready to ask and answer questions.
- After you're linked with a shadow sponsor, learn what you can about the company so you can ask educated, well-thought-out questions during your experience.
- Arrive at your shadowing experience on time and dressed professionally.
- During the experience, be prepared to ask questions, but spend much of your time listening and observing.
- Remember to act polite and professional. Remember that your sponsor is doing you a favor.
- If you don't like the work, or your sponsor, or both, don't let on. Even if you decide the career isn't for you, you may be developing valuable contacts. And you'll be learning about corporate culture—and yourself—in the process.
- After the experience is over, make sure to write a thank-you note to your sponsor.