Job shadowing is a hands-on learning experience where you observe a professional in their role, gaining insight into their responsibilities, skills, and workplace dynamics. It’s a powerful way to understand a job beyond the surface, seeing firsthand what it truly entails.
If you’re curious about job shadowing as a potential stepping stone in your career, this guide was made specifically for you! Whether you’re exploring new industries, considering a career change, or simply want to learn more about a particular role, we’ll define job shadowing, explaining how it works and how it differs from similar experiences, so you can make the right move for you.
What is job shadowing?
Job shadowing is a short-term learning experience in which an individual observes a professional to understand their role, daily tasks, and industry. It typically involves following a person for a day or even a week, gaining insights that can be difficult to grasp from job descriptions alone and common knowledge.
During job shadowing, you’ll have the chance to see the flow of a workday, observe various tasks, and potentially meet other team members. The host may walk you through their responsibilities, allow you to attend meetings, or show you relevant processes and tools.
Observing their work, asking questions, and discussing challenges and rewards in real-time helps you grasp the job’s nuances. For example, in a marketing role, you might get to observe content brainstorming sessions, view campaign planning, and understand how performance metrics are tracked and analyzed.
Job shadowing vs. internships
Is job shadowing an internship? Not exactly. While both job shadowing and internships provide real-time career experience, there are key differences. Job shadowing is typically shorter, focused on observation rather than hands-on work, and unpaid. Internships, on the other hand, are usually longer, involve completing specific tasks or projects, and may be paid.
Job shadowing vs. externships
While both job shadowing and externships offer a closer look at a job, there are also key differences. Externships are often longer (several weeks or months) and may involve hands-on tasks, resembling short internships. Job shadowing, on the other hand, is typically a short-term, observational experience designed to provide insights rather than to perform tasks.
For someone wanting to explore career options quickly without committing to a more intensive internship, job shadowing is an ideal option.
Benefits of job shadowing
Right now, you might be asking yourself, “Is job shadow worth it?” Let’s explore the key benefits of job shadowing that can give you an edge in today’s competitive job market.
Career insight
Job shadowing is one of the few ways to truly get a feel for a job’s day-to-day responsibilities and environment, and job shadows for high school students can be especially valuable for exploring careers early on.
Ani Ghazaryan, head of content at Neptune.ai, who has years of experience managing teams and guiding career growth as a former HR professional, emphasizes the value of job shadowing in helping individuals “experience the day-to-day reality of a specific role or industry.”
Ghazaryan says that shadowing often gives individuals a more accurate understanding of a job than a written job description ever could. “When I’ve managed teams, I found that individuals who had shadowed someone beforehand frequently transitioned more seamlessly into their roles,” she says. “Shadowing allows a person to see the dynamics that can't be captured in a job description—how team members communicate, deal with challenges, and collaborate on projects.”
Networking opportunities
Job shadowing isn’t just about observing; it also offers a chance to build professional connections. As you shadow someone on the job, you’ll likely meet many team members, from peers to senior leaders, giving you the chance to leave a positive impression.
Establishing relationships during job shadowing can be a stepping stone to future career opportunities, from mentorships to potential job offers. Taking the time to engage with professionals in the field can help you grow your network, a valuable asset as you progress in your career.
Skill development
Job shadowing is also an excellent way to begin developing essential skills. Observing how experienced professionals communicate, handle obstacles, and make decisions can teach you valuable lessons. You’ll also pick up industry jargon, learn about the flow of work, and gain insights into team dynamics, all of which can make you better prepared for a full-time role in that field. This exposure can help you develop both soft skills like communication and professionalism and hard skills specific to the industry.
Clarifying career goals
Job shadowing can confirm—or challenge—your initial thoughts about a particular career path, clarifying whether it aligns with your interests, skills, and goals, and helping you make a more informed decision about your future.
“[You may] encounter settings where employees seem overly negative, people are not enthusiastic about their work, or the activities in the job are a lot different from what the job profile suggests,” says Andrii Gurskyi, HR manager at Mr. Glazier, who has overseen job shadowing programs. “These may show a contradiction in how things are supposed to be and how they are.”
“Signs like constant stress, limited support from supervisors, or unclear expectations can indicate a challenging or high-pressure work environment that may not be suitable for everyone,” Ghazaryan says. If possible, ask follow-up questions to understand if these issues are common or temporary. This could indicate that it’s time to reevaluate both the company and your career choice.
Building confidence
Watching professionals excel at their jobs can be inspiring and motivating. Job shadowing lets you witness the skills and qualities needed for success in a specific role, helping you envision yourself in that position. By seeing how others handle day-to-day challenges, you can feel more prepared and confident when stepping into similar responsibilities in the future.
What are the disadvantages of job shadowing?
While job shadowing offers valuable insights into specific careers, it also has its limitations. Understanding these potential drawbacks can help you set realistic expectations.
Time-consuming
Job shadowing requires a significant time commitment, often with no guarantee of a job offer at the end. While the experience can be highly informative, it may not always lead directly to employment, making it an investment with returns limited to the knowledge gained. This can be challenging, especially for individuals with tight schedules or those seeking quick career placement.
Limited experience
Job shadowing is primarily observational, which means you’re not actually performing the tasks yourself. This lack of hands-on experience might limit your understanding of the role. “A single shadowing experience may only provide a snapshot of the role rather than a comprehensive view,” Ghazaryan says. “I’ve observed that shadowers sometimes don’t get to see the full cycle of a project or experience some of the more strategic discussions.”
Without exposure to the full scope of the role, shadowers can miss out on understanding the complexities and long-term responsibilities of a position, which can lead to a skewed impression.
Risk of incompatibility
A brief shadowing experience might not offer enough time to fully assess if a certain career path is the right fit for you. “One major disadvantage of doing job shadowing is that sometimes it can be too idealistic,” says Gurskyi. “Trainees may be exposed to the best side of the job but not the worst aspects that follow the job.” This idealized view could lead to misinformed decisions and result in unmet expectations when transitioning to the role full-time.
Not always paid
Most job shadowing opportunities are unpaid, which may not be feasible for everyone. For individuals who need financial compensation for their time, unpaid shadowing can be a significant downside. Weigh this factor and determine if the experience alone is worth the investment in time and resources, especially if you’re balancing other commitments or seeking financial stability.
Is job shadowing right for you?
If you’re considering job shadowing, assess whether it aligns with your career path, needs, goals, and available resources. Also note that some areas might benefit more than others.
“Job shadowing is particularly valuable in fields where the learning curve is steep or where daily tasks vary greatly,” Ghazaryan says. “I see it as immensely beneficial in tech, content creation, and data science roles, where understanding the day-to-day workflow can make or break an individual’s success.”
“For example, in content and tech, seeing how different departments work together to create products or strategize content can give potential hires a much deeper understanding of their role and the cross-functional skills they’ll need,” she says.
Keep these key considerations in mind:
Identify your career goals
Begin by clarifying what you want to gain from the experience. Ask yourself: What am I hoping to learn or observe in this role? How will this experience help me make career decisions or reach my goals? Are you exploring a new field, or are you interested in learning about specific skills or tasks within your industry? Shadowing can be ideal if you’re in an exploratory phase or seeking firsthand insights into a particular career.
Assess your time and commitment
Job shadowing can be a time-intensive experience, so consider your availability and commitment level. Be realistic about how much time you can invest and whether this fits into your current schedule. If your commitments are tight, consider a shorter shadowing experience to evaluate the role’s demands without sacrificing too much time.
Evaluate financial considerations
Since most job shadowing opportunities are unpaid, think about the financial implications of dedicating time to shadowing. Is this something you can balance with other responsibilities, such as work or school? Weigh the unpaid nature of shadowing to ensure it fits within your broader career plan without creating financial strain.
How to job shadow effectively
To maximize the benefits of job shadowing, it’s essential to approach it with preparation, professionalism, and follow-up.
Finding job shadowing opportunities
Identifying job shadowing opportunities requires networking, reaching out to industry contacts, and leveraging resources designed to connect professionals with career exploration experiences. Here are ways to get started:
- Network actively. Connect with industry professionals in your area of interest through LinkedIn, networking events, or even informational interviews. Let your network know you’re exploring career options and are interested in job shadowing.
- Use career centers and alumni networks. Many college and university career centers offer job shadowing programs or have connections with alumni who can provide job shadow experiences. Alumni networks are also excellent resources; these individuals have walked similar paths and are often eager to help recent graduates or current students explore career options.
- Join professional organizations. Industry organizations, such as trade associations, can connect you with professionals willing to share insight into their roles. Some of these organizations have formalized job shadowing or mentorship programs. This is particularly common in fields like healthcare, finance, or technology, where observing day-to-day operations can provide invaluable insight.
Preparing for job shadowing
Preparation is key to making a positive impression and making the most of the job shadow experience.
- Do your research. Start by familiarizing yourself with the company’s mission, values, and recent projects. For the role you’ll be shadowing, look up typical responsibilities, skills required, and recent industry trends.
- Reflect on your goals. Think about what you want to gain from job shadowing. Are you trying to understand what skills are most valued in the role? Do you want insight into how the role fits within the broader team or department?
- Prepare questions in advance. After reflecting on your goals, write down specific questions to ask when job shadowing, such as “What challenges do you face daily?” or “How does your team work together to accomplish goals?”
- Dress to match the company’s work environment. Even if the workplace is casual, choose a slightly more professional look to show you take the opportunity seriously. Arriving 10–15 minutes early signals respect for your host’s time and sets a positive tone for the day.
Making the most of the experience
To get the most out of job shadowing, active engagement and observation are essential.
- Engage actively. Pay attention to how tasks are completed, the workflow between team members, and the interactions within the department.
- Take notes. Keep a notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down observations, insights about company culture, specific skills you notice, and anything surprising about the role.
- Ask questions. “I always appreciate shadowers who ask insightful questions that show they’re actively listening and processing the information,” Ghazaryan says. “Instead of waiting to be told what to observe, a proactive approach can leave a lasting impression, whether by expressing genuine curiosity about specific workflows, asking how certain processes impact team goals, or even seeking feedback on their observations.”
- Speak with other team members. If you have the chance, use it as an opportunity to gain different perspectives. Ask them what they enjoy about their roles, what challenges they face, and what advice they have for someone entering the field. This can give you a well-rounded view of the career.
Following up
Following up professionally is essential for leaving a positive impression and for networking. After your job shadowing experience, take the following steps:
- Send a thank-you note. A thoughtful job shadow thank-you letter or email shows appreciation for the time and effort your host invested. Mention specific aspects of the day that were particularly insightful and express your gratitude for the opportunity to learn from them. A simple, personalized message can go a long way in solidifying a positive connection.
- Connect on LinkedIn. Send a LinkedIn connection request to your host, along with a brief message of thanks. Maintaining this connection can be valuable down the line, especially if you seek advice or want to explore similar roles.
- Reflect on the experience. Take some time to review your notes and reflect on what you learned. Consider how the experience aligns with your career goals and what skills or areas you’d like to explore further. This reflection can help guide your next steps, whether that’s pursuing a similar role, seeking further shadowing opportunities, or focusing on skill-building.
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FAQs
Do you put job shadowing on a resume?
Yes, including job shadowing on your resume is a great way to show initiative and real-world experience. List it in the “Experience” or “Professional Development” sections, mentioning the role you shadowed, the company, and the dates. Briefly describe any skills you observed or key takeaways that relate to the job you’re applying for. This can be especially helpful for recent graduates or career-changers looking to show relevant experience.
How long should a job shadow last?
The duration of a job shadow can vary depending on the role and the goals of the shadowing experience. Job shadows typically last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, but in some cases, they can extend over a few days or even weeks. Shorter job shadows offer a high-level view, while longer ones provide a more in-depth look at day-to-day responsibilities and team dynamics. It's best to clarify the expected timeframe with the host before you start.
Does a job shadow pay?
Most job shadowing experiences are unpaid, as they’re intended primarily for learning rather than contributing work. The focus is on observation and gaining insights into a potential career path. However, some organizations might offer stipends or cover certain expenses, so it’s worth asking about this upfront if you're concerned about the financial aspect.
Should I bring anything to a job shadow?
Yes, bringing a few essentials can help you make the most of your job shadowing experience. Consider bringing a notebook and pen (to jot down insights and observations), prepared questions, and a positive attitude and openness to learn. Job shadowing is all about curiosity, so be prepared to observe, listen, and take in as much information as possible.