Experiential Learning
Job Shadowing & Mentoring
August 27, 2020
Job shadowing provides the opportunity to observe or “shadow” someone doing their job, often at their place of work, so they’re learning about the workplace as well.
Job shadowing & mentorship
What does it look like?
Job shadowing provides the opportunity to observe or “shadow” someone doing their job, often at their place of work, so they’re learning about the workplace as well. Mentoring provides students with support from an experienced person with expertise in a particular field to guide them in a work or learning setting.
Benefits
Students and Families
Provides opportunity for exploration for students intent on expanding experience, skills, and contacts related to an employment sector, potential career or community involvement opportunity
Employers and Community
Promotes youth engagement and profile of community placement or employer as progressive and supportive
Develops and educates on the talent, skill requirements, training possibilities, and profile of employees or community contributors related to a particular career or experience
Educators
Provides meaningful career or experience-oriented exploration for students
May link directly to curricular learning outcomes and career destinations/community opportunities
Considerations
Students and Families
Promotes exploration of a career destination or community opportunity
May be particularly engaging for those with an interest in employment-related skills, career opportunities, or community contributions
Employers and Community
May be a helpful support in identifying possible talent, and recruiting employees
May be helpful for reflecting on leadership, structures, assumptions, and values in a workplace or community setting
Educators
Allows for close work with employers/community experience providers/students to make job shadowing and mentoring relevant and connected to curriculum outcomes