What is job shadowing for high school students?

I'm curious about job shadowing as a high school student. How does it work, and what are the benefits of doing it? I'm trying to figure out if it's something I should pursue to gain insight into potential career paths.

Job shadowing is essentially observing a professional in their field of work for a specified period of time. It's a great way for high school students like yourself to get a real insight into potential career paths and to see exactly what a specific job entails day-to-day. The duration can vary, sometimes lasting just a day, or even up to a week.

During this time, you'll see firsthand the tasks performed, the office or work environment, and the interactions between team members. You may also have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and some cases, participate in certain tasks, all under the guidance of the professional you're shadowing.

The benefits of job shadowing are substantial. It can help you understand whether a particular role or industry aligns with your skills or interests. This can aid in making informed decisions about course selection in high school, college, and even your career path after graduation.

Furthermore, job shadowing also allows you to expand your professional network. The person you're shadowing could become a valuable connection for future job opportunities or even act as a reference.

To pursue job shadowing, start by identifying a few professions you're interested in. Then reach out to professionals in those fields or companies that offer job shadowing programs. Be sure to prepare a set of questions beforehand so you can take full advantage of the opportunity.

Keep in mind though, not all professionals or companies may have the capacity or time to offer job shadowing opportunities. So, don't be disheartened if it takes a few tries to get a response.