Job shadowing is a way for a student to follow an experienced worker in the student's field of interest and is a very effective way to help students choose a college major. This work experience, also known as shadowing, helps students gain valuable insight and experience that is helpful in making their educational and career decisions.These job shadowing experiences guide and direct students and help them choose their college majors.

Students make the connection between book study and real-life occupations. Having the real-world experience of job shadowing helps a student focus on field of study and choose the electives within a major course of study.

Observing the pros and cons of a particular line of work and having an opportunity to ask questions helps a student sort out what is a positive or negative about that job or occupation.

Deciding on a college major is one of the toughest decisions young people make and those with job shadowing experience have a better understanding of work climate and his helps in making those critical decisions. Students see that there are different work environments that should be a consideration in their own career planning.

Job shadowing is a way to see how the person in one job position must communicate and interact with others in the process of the organization. Required courses will be much more meaningful to the student who has seen how how writing, interpersonal communication, and knowledge of organizational structure is vital to career success.

Job shadowing can provide a meaningful foundation for their college courses. When students can relate their textbook knowledge to the real world they have experience, the concepts will be more solid and the student will be more successful in the coursework.

Job Shadowing can help a student establish a mentoring relationship with the employee being shadowed or with another employee the student meets in the broader job shadowing experience. A mentor can also be valuable in guiding a student toward a major, later in school, and even once the formal education is completed.

Job shadowing is a worthwhile experience in providing a foundation of knowledge in selecting and working toward a major field of study in college. Contact your school's guidance office or work experience center to arrange a job shadowing experience.

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