Job Shadowing helps the young people to see first-hand what working in a professional setting looks like. They accompany employees for a week or less to learn how working processes in certain areas are organized. In this way, the young people can also investigate if a particular job position might be right for them.
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Number of young people involved: 1-2 per volunteer
- Number of volunteers involved: 1-3 at a time/Several job shadowing opportunities by year possible
- Frequency: Variable
- Place: DHL facilities/ other corporate site
1.2 How to set up a GoTeach Job Shadowing
- DHL analyzes which departments/positions are suitable for job shadowing and selects volunteers for job shadowing
- SOS and DHL coordinate the numbers of volunteers and youth available and willing to participate and coordinate dates
- Volunteers start the day with an orientation & introduction (professional background, interests/hobbies, describing a “typical” day, preparing answers to questions regarding salaries, promotions, schooling, etc.)
- If possible, they introduce the youth to someone at the partner/manager level and give the youth a good overview of how the firm is run (company culture)
- Volunteers should try to “break the ice” and make the student feel welcome
- The students get a tour in the office or business and explain the roles of each person
- Ideally, volunteer gives overview of what your firm/business does and how it affects the local or regional community
- Volunteer plans some limited, hands-on tasks for the participant (make sure you closely supervise)
- Examples: Volunteer has phone calls with clients while the youth present Show off your computer programs and let the youth drive
- Stress the importance of promptness, attendance, appropriate personal appearance and attire and a positive work ethic.
- Take the youth to lunch and invite a coworker
‘[I] improved my ability to give presentations to groups of people. I improved my awareness on social issues. I appreciated the impact I can have on others.’
- Anonymous volunteer on what they liked most about volunteering for GoTeach
DID YOU KNOW?
Job Shadowing is less complex than internships. Still, it allows young people to get a real insight in what certain jobs look like, which is extremely helpful to investigate on a certain career.
Useful hints
Have each student ask you at least one thing that they would like to see during the visit. Be patient. Only take as many students as you can handle. Emphasize the positive in your conversations, but always be honest and straightforward. Explain how your work relates to classes they might be taking in school such as math, accounting, and business courses. Share examples of your daily routine that incorporate skills they are learning such as communication, logic, computers, or writing. Explain what you like about your job as well as some of the disadvantages to your career.
Discussions