Published on Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007
EVER WONDERED what a regular day `on-the-job' is really like? What really goes on behind-the-scenes and what does a job actually entail? What about going beyond the apparently rose-tinted job picture to explore the good, the bad and the ugly realities of life at work?
Well, career experts adamantly maintain that absolutely nothing can beat a first-hand experience at life in the workplace trenches! An up close and personal taste of the working life lends a realistic sense of the real world of work and day-to-day requirements of the job devoid of over-expectant illusions. An ideal way to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground is through the ringside view provided by what is known in HR parlance as job shadowing.
In a typical job shadowing arrangement, one can follow a workplace mentor around as he goes through a typical workday (virtual or on line shadowing is on the anvil). The selection of career-to-shadow depends on individual choice and can vary from the usual manager, consultant, engineer or a nurse to a florist, a curator or lo and behold, a curator.
Many colleges organise formal job shadowing programmes in diverse fields with some companies offering independent initiatives too. Else, the right networking and research can yield valuable shadowing sources.
Inside view:
"Job shadowing is a work experience option where students learn about a job by walking through the workday as a shadow to a competent worker. The experience is a temporary, unpaid exposure to the workplace in an occupational area of interest. They witness firsthand the work environment, employability and occupational skills in practice, the value of professional training and potential career options:' - Excerpt from Planning and Implementing Youth Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning by Paris & Mason, University of Wisconsin.
This glimpse of the real workplace gives young people an opportunity to explore and relate to the workplace even before stepping into the torrid waters. Spending time with an employee on-the-job also works as an invaluable career exploration tool to determine/decide the right career path. The insight into the skills needed to succeed in the modern job market and what it takes to actually `do that job' every day helps sieve career interests with an accurate picture of the options available. As one successful job shadower mentions on her blog, "Job shadowing helps you find out what you do and don't like about certain jobs".
Katharine Hansen, an HR expert, states, "Just like any kind of company/career research, job-shadowing can occur at various stages of one's career development". Job seekers can conveniently fall back on it to gain an insider view of the specific companies they apply for. Alternatively, they can even get a foot in the door of the organisation they wish to join, as job shadowing often leads to future employment.
It also comes in handy for professionals who wish to dry run a new job before making a drastic career change. All said and done, job shadowers consistently make better and more job/career choices with greater success.
Being the right shadow:
A `One-day apprenticeship' provides a unique opportunity for hands-on learning, that weeks of syllabus study, research or networking cannot match. However, the trick to reap utmost benefits of shadowing is to be on the guard always. Watch, listen and learn as much as possible to comprehend the rigours of the job, personal attributes needed, technology, tools, communication methods, interpersonal relationships, and company culture.
Do not hesitate to seek introductions to other personnel and clarify misconceptions through intelligent questions. Politely enquire about the job role, responsibilities, challenges, education requirements, opportunities, career ladder and so on. Jot notes while tagging along; it is important to avoid undue interference or restrictions in the course of the mentor's work.
Always be punctual, courteous, grateful and enthusiastic. Finally, thank your mentor and keep in regular touch to develop valuable references and key contacts for future job leads.
Maximising the experience:
Being in the mentor's shoes under the arc lights is no cakewalk. It is essential to behave as normally as possible even while going out of the way to help the student/trainee. Provide thorough explanations as well as practical demonstrations to enhance tangible application of knowledge. Patiently answer any queries, highlighting the inherent tribulations, impediments, benefits and achievements involved in the day-to-day course of the job.
Assign and seek appropriate tasks wherever possible to tap potential work ethics and requirements. Encouraging participation and motivation helps inspire and promote the workforce of the future as today's `job shadower' may very well turn into tomorrow's star employee.
Well, career experts adamantly maintain that absolutely nothing can beat a first-hand experience at life in the workplace trenches! An up close and personal taste of the working life lends a realistic sense of the real world of work and day-to-day requirements of the job devoid of over-expectant illusions. An ideal way to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground is through the ringside view provided by what is known in HR parlance as job shadowing.
In a typical job shadowing arrangement, one can follow a workplace mentor around as he goes through a typical workday (virtual or on line shadowing is on the anvil). The selection of career-to-shadow depends on individual choice and can vary from the usual manager, consultant, engineer or a nurse to a florist, a curator or lo and behold, a curator.
Many colleges organise formal job shadowing programmes in diverse fields with some companies offering independent initiatives too. Else, the right networking and research can yield valuable shadowing sources.
Inside view:
"Job shadowing is a work experience option where students learn about a job by walking through the workday as a shadow to a competent worker. The experience is a temporary, unpaid exposure to the workplace in an occupational area of interest. They witness firsthand the work environment, employability and occupational skills in practice, the value of professional training and potential career options:' - Excerpt from Planning and Implementing Youth Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning by Paris & Mason, University of Wisconsin.
This glimpse of the real workplace gives young people an opportunity to explore and relate to the workplace even before stepping into the torrid waters. Spending time with an employee on-the-job also works as an invaluable career exploration tool to determine/decide the right career path. The insight into the skills needed to succeed in the modern job market and what it takes to actually `do that job' every day helps sieve career interests with an accurate picture of the options available. As one successful job shadower mentions on her blog, "Job shadowing helps you find out what you do and don't like about certain jobs".
Katharine Hansen, an HR expert, states, "Just like any kind of company/career research, job-shadowing can occur at various stages of one's career development". Job seekers can conveniently fall back on it to gain an insider view of the specific companies they apply for. Alternatively, they can even get a foot in the door of the organisation they wish to join, as job shadowing often leads to future employment.
It also comes in handy for professionals who wish to dry run a new job before making a drastic career change. All said and done, job shadowers consistently make better and more job/career choices with greater success.
Being the right shadow:
A `One-day apprenticeship' provides a unique opportunity for hands-on learning, that weeks of syllabus study, research or networking cannot match. However, the trick to reap utmost benefits of shadowing is to be on the guard always. Watch, listen and learn as much as possible to comprehend the rigours of the job, personal attributes needed, technology, tools, communication methods, interpersonal relationships, and company culture.
Do not hesitate to seek introductions to other personnel and clarify misconceptions through intelligent questions. Politely enquire about the job role, responsibilities, challenges, education requirements, opportunities, career ladder and so on. Jot notes while tagging along; it is important to avoid undue interference or restrictions in the course of the mentor's work.
Always be punctual, courteous, grateful and enthusiastic. Finally, thank your mentor and keep in regular touch to develop valuable references and key contacts for future job leads.
Maximising the experience:
Being in the mentor's shoes under the arc lights is no cakewalk. It is essential to behave as normally as possible even while going out of the way to help the student/trainee. Provide thorough explanations as well as practical demonstrations to enhance tangible application of knowledge. Patiently answer any queries, highlighting the inherent tribulations, impediments, benefits and achievements involved in the day-to-day course of the job.
Assign and seek appropriate tasks wherever possible to tap potential work ethics and requirements. Encouraging participation and motivation helps inspire and promote the workforce of the future as today's `job shadower' may very well turn into tomorrow's star employee.
PAYAL CHANANIA
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