Exploring the World of Work: Create a Job Shadow Opportunity
A job shadow is similar to a ride-along, a chance to accompany a professional during their workday to observe what they do and how they do it. Job shadows may last just an hour or two, or they might involve spending several full days with an individual, giving you opportunities to attend meetings, ask questions, and even try sample projects.
To set up a job shadow experience, find someone working in a field of interest. Start with your own network, reaching out to friends and family who might know someone in the field. Grinnell alums are often enthusiastic about hosting current students. Talk to your professors and CLS advisers or search alums on LinkedIn to discover Grinnell connections. To gain the most from the experience, match up your shadowing request to school breaks.
When you ask to shadow someone, take into consideration how your presence might impact their workday. Some jobs require security clearances, non-disclosure agreements, vaccinations, safety equipment, or permission from supervisors or the human resources office. Be prepared to meet any requirements associated with the role. At the same time, you’re not working. A good shadow meets with their host at the beginning of the shift to understand the day’s activities and pays careful attention, knowing when it’s okay to ask questions and when to be a silent observer. Try to arrange a debrief with your host at the end of the day as well. Take notes and photographs (if allowed) to capture your memories and reflections.
Shadowing may be virtual or in person. Whether your host works in-person, remotely, or hybrid, spending time with your host in their work environment will go a long way toward your own understanding of the kinds of roles you’ll want to pursue after graduation.
The Benefits of Job Shadowing
Spending time at work will help you learn about specific professions, meet people doing the work that interests you, build your network, and find out more about what you like. Are you more comfortable in a big company or a nonprofit? Is remote work for you or would you rather be in person in a laboratory, office, storefront, or classroom? Do you like work that stays in one place, or are you better suited to work that includes moving locations frequently, travel, or working outside?
You might also spend time with a host and figure out what’s not for you. Knowing what you don’t want is as important as knowing what you do. And there may be other surprises. A casual conversation in the break room might lead to a new connection who knows someone who does this interesting work in an adjacent field. Job shadows are a way to stay curious and find new connections in the world of work.
In Person versus Virtual
Virtual job shadowing might involve sitting in on Zoom meetings, watching workflow or systems, and scheduling short check-ins with your host. You’ll get a good sense of the work but may have less of an opportunity to get a feel for your host’s day-to-day experience. Even for a host who works remotely, spending time in the same place will help you get an overall sense of the work and the workday vibe. However, if travel or scheduling create barriers to completing a job shadow, virtual shadowing offers a flexible and valuable option.
Pre-Health Job Shadowing
Some medical programs require incoming students to log job shadowing hours ahead of admission. Best practices include shadowing a wide range of medical professionals, keeping track of the hours you spent, what you observed, and who you shadowed, along with their contact information. For more specifics, meet with Mary Jane Shroyer to plan your pre-health shadowing opportunities.
How to Get Started
Once you’ve identified someone you’d like to shadow, connect with them via email or phone to make your request. Remember, most job shadows are brief—often just a few hours or a single day—so don’t hesitate to ask.
Be sure to include:
- Who you are (name/school/major/class)
- Why you are interested in this person and their specific work position or journey
- What you’re asking for (make a clear ask in terms of timeframe and flexibility)
- Your gratitude
Once the shadow is set up, at least twenty-four hours ahead confirm:
- Where to go
- What to wear
- Timing
- What to bring
- Any final requirements to be on site
When Your Job Shadow Is Set Up
- Dress appropriately (ask your host ahead of time for guidelines)
- Arrive early
- Limit your use of phones or electronics
- Be prepared to spend your own money for coffee or lunch
- Follow up with a thank-you note or email within twenty-four hours and mention specific things you learned and how the experience will impact your career decisions
- Nurture a longer term relationship with your host by connecting on LinkedIn and sending updates as your professional journey unfolds
More Best Practices
Be prepared to ask questions. Some general, open-ended questions to help you get started:
- What does a typical day look like?
- What do you enjoy most/least about your work?
- What skills matter most in this field?
- How did you get started?
- What experiences did you have an undergraduate that contributed to your successful professional journey?
Remember, your role is to observe and learn. You may be invited to try sample tasks for learning purposes, but you should not be responsible for work that contributes directly to the organization.
Occasionally, life intervenes with our plans. Don’t neglect to reach out to your host immediately if your plans change and you have to cancel or postpone your job shadow. Prompt, professional communications will ensure that the opportunity remains available for a time when your schedules align better.
Job Shadow Quick Start
- Identify 2–3 people to contact
- Send outreach message
- Confirm logistics (time, dress, requirements)
- Prepare 3–5 questions
- Send thank-you within 24 hours
Job shadowing is one of the simplest ways to test your interests—start small, stay curious, and follow what you learn.
