job shadow projects - explore possible paths
TRANSCRIPT
Shadow Projects How to reach out to grownups, find out what their work is really like, and build critical future skills at the same time. And maybe have fun.
What’s a Shadow Project?
Spend an hour to a day ‘shadowing’ someone
currently working in the job, with the degree,
in the organization, or in the field
that you’re curious about.
Why shadow?
Build a deeper understanding of what you want to do after school.
Get a headstart on this
The gap between
school and the real world.
Practice getting something you want.
Be able to connect with anyone.
SHADOW:• Bakers/chefs• Bakery owners• Café
managers
http://jeannines.com/restaurants/
I think I’d like to run a café!
SHADOW:• A real LEGO
designer (Skype/facetime)
• Other people at LEGO
• Other product designers
Photo from: http://gizmodo.com/what-does-it-take-to-snag-a-job-as-a-lego-designer-1464347333
The best job in the world would be designing Lego sets.
• Shadow:• a professional
skateboarder.• a retail skateboard
shop owner• a board artist• a board
craftsperson• a skatepark
designer• a physicist studying
physics of skating• A famous
skater/Youtuber
I love skateboarding.
• Shadow:• Parent, family
friend!• Something that
sounds fun• In a field related to
your favorite subject in school
• Something that sounds meaningful
• Something you’re curious or passionate about.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WANT TO DO.
• What do they REALLY do? • What do you need to know to do that job –
what knowledge do they use? • What do they like best about their work? • What do they hate about their work? • What advice do they have for a student like
you?• Anything else you have questions about.
Find Out:
• If you’re excited about the possibilities, it will be easy. • This ISN’T ABOUT SCHOOL.
Shadow where your interests lie.
Why not just
research it?
I think you know.academic understanding, info ≠ real world experience.
They’re going to say NO.
• It makes people feel AMAZING to be asked about their work!!!
• They want to make a difference.• 95% will say YES if you ask right. A few will be too
busy.• Taking initiative to learn is impressive to grown ups.• No one does it; you’ll stand out. In a good way.
Importance, contribution, helping.
Shadowing can help you…
Explore what you’re curious about in the world
Find out what a job, career, industry, or company is really like.
Start developing critical soft skills way ahead of time.
Do something that you choose, when you choose, for your own future.
Understand how much power you have to make things happen.
• A school project that impresses the hell out of your teachers
• A great essay for college applications that shows you take action and have confidence
• An article/video for the school news report• A mentor? A fun outing? Parents off your back? A girl
scout or boy scout badge…Who knows what else. You’ve probably got even better ideas.
And maybe even get you:
Part II:How to shadow in 6 steps(coming soon – stay tuned!)
Shadow Projects How to reach out to grownups, find out what their work is really like, and build critical future skills at the same time. And maybe have fun.www.parentsforfutureskills.com/shadowing