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Tag: job shadowing

  • Job Shadowing for a Day with a Skilled Trade

    Job Shadowing for a Day with a Skilled Trade

    So, you are getting close to the end of your schooling, and you have decided to go into one of the skilled trades for your career. You may even already have an idea of what trade industry you want to work in – that’s great!
    Whether you have already decided on a career path or are still looking at options, a great way to learn more about what it’s like working in a specific trade is to do a job shadow with someone in that field.

    Job shadowing is when you accompany a professional during their workday to see what sort of tasks and activities their job involves. When you are learning about a prospective career, internet research, books, and other resources are very useful, but there are always some aspects of a job that need to be seen and experienced in person to give you a real sense of what it would be like to work in a specific trade.

    Spending time with a working professional makes it easier to get accurate, first-hand information about the job responsibilities and the industry itself. You also have the opportunity to ask questions one-on-one with someone who is an expert in the field. As well, even though you will be shadowing with one person, you will have the opportunity to meet other people working other positions and in other departments. This is a great chance to network and make connections in the company and trade industry, which can be valuable contacts later on when you are looking for an internship or other career opportunity. Seeing how the employees of a company interact will also give you an idea of the company culture and dynamics.

    Not sure how to find and arrange a job shadow opportunity? Your first option is to check with your school guidance counsellor or careers teacher, as they likely have a good idea of people or companies suitable for hosting a student job shadow. You can also ask someone you know personally, such as a family member or family acquaintance, if they or someone they work with would be interested in taking a job shadow with them for a day. You may also feel more comfortable spending the time with someone you are familiar with, and therefore be more relaxed and willing to ask questions or participate in work activities.

    Lastly, you can approach someone at the company directly, such as through their human resources department, to inquire if they have done job shadowing opportunities before. Many companies in the trades also have co-op and youth apprenticeship programs, and so are likely to have someone willing to take you as a job shadow- don’t be afraid to ask!

    Most importantly, when you are out on your job shadow, remember to be enthusiastic and interested. Whomever you shadow with, they are willing to spend valuable time in order to share their job, their experience, and their interest with you, so be sure to return the favour. Have fun shadowing!

  • Job Shadowing for a Day with a Skilled Trade

    Job Shadowing for a Day with a Skilled Trade

    So, you are getting close to the end of your schooling, and you have decided to go into one of the skilled trades for your career. You may even already have an idea of what trade industry you want to work in – that’s great!

    Whether you have already decided on a career path, or are still looking at options, a great way to learn more about what it’s like working in a specific trade is to do a job shadow with someone in that field.

    Job shadowing is when you accompany a professional during their workday, to see what sort of tasks and activities their job involves. When you are learning about a prospective career, internet research, books, and other resources are very useful, but there are always some aspects of a job that need to be seen and experienced in person to give you a real sense of what it would be like to work in a specific trade.

    Spending time with a working professional makes it easier to get accurate, first-hand information about the job responsibilities, and the industry itself. You also have the opportunity to ask questions one-on-one with someone who is an expert in the field. As well, even though you will be shadowing with one person, you will have the opportunity to meet other people working other positions and in other departments. This is a great chance to network and make connections in the company and trade industry, which can be valuable contacts later on when you are looking for an internship or other career opportunity. Seeing how the employees of a company interact will also give you an idea of the company culture and dynamics.

    Not sure how to find and arrange a job shadow opportunity? Your first option is to check with your school guidance counsellor or careers teacher, as they likely have a good idea of people or companies suitable to hosting a student job shadow. You can also ask someone you know personally, such as a family member or family acquaintance, if they or someone they work with would be interested in taking a job shadow with them for a day. You may also feel more comfortable spending the time with someone you are familiar with, and therefore be more relaxed and willing to ask questions or participate in work activities.

    Lastly, you can approach someone at the company directly, such as through their human resources department, to inquire if they have done job shadowing opportunities before. Many companies in the trades also have co-op and youth apprenticeship programs, and so are likely to have someone willing to take you as a job shadow- don’t be afraid to ask!

    Most importantly, when you are out on your job shadow, remember to be enthusiastic and interested. Whomever you shadow with, they are willing to spend valuable time in order to share their job, their experience, and their interest with you, so be sure to return the favour. Have fun shadowing!

  • Volunteering for Work Experience

    Volunteering for Work Experience

    Maybe you are new to the job scene, or maybe you have a very particular history of employment. Whatever your reason is for feeling that you don’t have enough experience to land you the job that you want – never fear! Employers respond positively to unpaid experiences as well. Perhaps you are looking to be a server in a bar or restaurant and your resume shows all you have is experience that relates to child care. Try searching an online job board for anything that relates to serving that is unpaid. Festivals are a great opportunity to practice serving, for example. Additionally, if you want to be a nanny but have no child care experience why not try looking around to see where you could volunteer your time to gain this experience? Often day cares will accept volunteers or perhaps your neighbour requires someone to watch their children for an hour or two each day.

    Volunteering may not immediately cover the exact work that you would like to do. You might have to do other smaller tasks like cleaning the studio or conducting phone calls at the beginning, but do not get discouraged! The more time you put in, the more responsibility you will be given. Each volunteer hour you put in provides you with more invaluable skills that can be put onto your resume.

    Become informed about what skills and certifications are required for your job of choice and go about getting those. Whether it is CPR or First Aid, a Red Cross babysitting course, a Smart Serve certification, a personal training certificate or even an NLS lifeguarding certification, it is vital to work on obtaining them. Sometimes a police record check is also required by potential employers. If you can get started volunteering in something of your choice, usually there is an option to get a police record check before you even start. Thankfully, the cost is generally covered by whatever agency you are looking to work for.

    Another possibility is to try job shadowing for an excellent opportunity to get to know the job that you would ultimately like to do. Job shadowing can be used in a subsection on your resume as well, an indication of your interest and/or passion for the job. Job shadowing could involve finding someone who is an expert in the field or simply finding someone who is knowledgeable enough to be a good leader. Whatever it is that you want to do, make sure that you start asking questions NOW. There is no better way to learn about something of interest than to get started. Even if it is not what you want to do, at least you will have some new experiences that will help to orient you to the RIGHT path for you.