As a professional working with young adults, the biggest challenge I see teens facing is figuring out what path to follow. As teenagers head toward adulthood, many have an idealized version of what a particular job might involve. Some youth see dollar signs and aim for a big income, regardless of what the job involves. Other young people don't realize that a job may be quite repetitive and boring or require extensive training.

Job shadowing is one of the best ways to give young people an idea of what a job is really about. An experienced mentor assigned to a youth provides knowledge that is available no where else. A short time on the job and several good conversations with someone doing that job provides information that no book can.

Job shadowing is also a great way to "try on" a career. Shadowing professionals in different fields effectively narrows the field on different careers. Encouraging the young person to broaden the potential jobs they may explore can prevent the multiple changes of major and even later careers.

If all high school seniors were required to complete a job shadow with an effective mentor, informed decisions would make education and career choices less difficult. Because of this fact, education professionals should make job shadowing for a semester mandatory.

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