EDUCATION EDGE JOB SHADOWING DAY
Workplace Host Responsibilities
Thank you for agreeing to host a student during Education Edge Job Shadowing. As a host, you will spend part of your day orienting a young person to your job, your industry, and the world of work. The goal is to help him or her make a smart career choice. While this event may take some time away from fulfilling your regular job responsibilities, it’s an important investment in the future of your company, your community, and our youth. Here is a list of your key responsibilities as a Job Shadowing Workplace Host.
1. Supervising the student during his or her job shadowing experience
2. Following all company and school safety and security procedures
3. Interacting with the student courteously, generously, and patiently
4. Showing Student Shadows what you and others do at your place of work.
5. Introducing the student to your industry
6. Explaining to the student the knowledge and skills it takes to do your and others’ jobs
7. Answering questions about your and others’ jobs and careers
8. Hosting the student for lunch
9. Completing an evaluation form upon the conclusion of the student’s visit. The student will provide.
10. This is considered a full school day for the student, please provide meaningful observation and participation activities for the student the entire time they are present at your workplace.
Suggestions of Information You Might Want to Share with your Student Shadow
1. Describe a normal work day.
2. Tell how you depend on others & others depend on you in your occupation. Discuss the importance of teamwork.
3. Tell how society benefits from your occupation.
4. What kinds of interests and abilities would help a person be successful in your occupation?
5. What educational preparation or training is required for your job?
6. What courses in school have been helpful on your job?
7. Is this work performed in all parts of the country?
8. How will technology affect your job?
9. What are the advantages and disadvantages of your job?
10. Is there a sufficient supply of workers for this job?
11. Is there a large demand for this job?
12. What is the salary range and benefits for this job?
13. Share job description and a blank performance evaluation with student.
14. Let the students know how important it is to be on time and at work each day.
15. Let the students know that good grades are important.
Benefits to Employers
Job Shadowing is an academically motivating activity designed to give kids the unique opportunity of an up-close look at the world of work and provide the answer to the commonly asked question, “Why do I have to learn this?” Beginning with a nationwide kickoff in early February each year, and continuing throughout the school year, students across America will “shadow” workplace mentors as they go through a normal day on the job. The program invites students to see firsthand how the skills learned in school relate to the workplace
There are several important benefits to taking part in Job Shadowing Day for employers, including the following:
v Establishing closer working relationships with local schools and educators
v Introducing students to their businesses and the careers available within their companies and industries
v Communicating to students how important learning to read, write, speak, listen, calculate, and think well is when it comes to workplace success
v Being seen as an active and caring part of their communities
v Generating positive publicity and public relations for their companies
v Helping students, some of which are likely to be children of employees, make better informed educational and career choices
v Building morale among their employees by giving them something positive in which to participate