Summer Shadow

Kids who aren’t enrolled in summer session will be heading home soon for summer break. Just because they’re not in class doesn’t mean they can’t continue engage in educational activities in addition to hanging with friends, the beach/pool, and the minimum wage summer job (beer and pizza money).

The job market is more competitive than ever, even with a college degree. Graduates with practical work experience, sterling references and a burgeoning professional network will have the edge. In addition to a great summer tan, there’s no reason why your son or daughter can’t gain some valuable experience.

Job shadowing is a wonderful way for students to gain insider information about professions they don’t receive in the classroom. It’s different from an internship, co-op or practicum in that it’s an “unofficial placement;” although, some universities have official job shadowing programs. It can be for only an hour, an afternoon, or once a week.

Job shadowing opportunities related to your child’s area of study are the obvious choice. However, it’s equally important for students to gain information and experiences that are outside of their chosen field (especially since most students end up doing something that has no relation to their degree after graduation).

Shake your social, family and professional networks and ask if they would be willing to give your son or daughter at least an hour of their time. Remember, this is an act of courtesy. They don’t have to do this, so I encourage parents and students to check any sense of entitlement and/or attitude at the door.

For example, if your child is fortunate enough to be able to secure a shadow position in a medical office a couple mornings a week, they will not be seeing patients. Don’t laugh. I once had a 20-year old student walk into my counseling office indignant because she was “just scheduling appointments, answering phones and filing” (which, according to her supervisor she had difficulty doing with consistent accuracy causing more work for the staff).

Job shadowing is a great opportunity for students to experience the workings of different profession and I encourage you to begin looking now. Summer’s just a few weeks away!

Written by: Dr. Tara J. Palmatier, Psy.D.

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