Chapter 6 Continued - Job Shadow Project

Covered in class Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Part 1: Formal Shadow Request Letter

Task -- Write a formal letter (e-mail) to the person of contact at the job that you wish to shadow. Use the sample on p. 159 as a reference. Introduce yourself, request a shadow opportunity, explain why you are interested in that field, and give your contact information. Letters will be edited in class on Thursday 5/8.

Part 2: Confirm Job Shadow/Informational Interview

Task -- Finalize your Job Shadow/Informational Interview plans by phone or e-mail with the shadowee. Use your drafted e-mail to contact the person of interest. If a phone call is necessary to schedule the shadow, request the business e-mail address of the person you will be shadowing and send them an introductory e-mail letter. 

JOB SHADOW PROJECT REQUIREMENTS BELOW

Option 1

 

• Part 1: Find and contact a person working in your career of interest and write a formal e-mail requesting to shadow them for a day. (E-mail letter template on pg. 159 in book). The e-mail will be written and edited here in class before sending.

• Part 2: Go shadow that person for a full or half day (at least 3 hours) and be sure to journal your thoughts/experience!

• Part 3: Write a TWO-page, single-spaced, post-shadow critique using the following questions as a guide. Be sure to cover all questions in your response.

Do you like the setting?
Do you feel comfortable?
Is what is happening exciting?
Does the pace of the day match your personality?
Is the level of responsibility comfortable or threatening?
Does the work hold your interest or could this be boring after a short time?
Do you like the people you work with?
How do they seem to feel about their jobs? Are they bored? Challenged? Overworked?
About how many hours a week do they work?
Do they take work home with them?
Are they expected to take part in after-work activities (sports, entertaining clients, and the like)?
Do they travel?
How often and for how long?

Option 2

• Part 1: Find and contact a person working in your career of interest and write a formal e-mail requesting to schedule an informational interview with them. (E-mail letter template on pg. 159 in book). The e-mail will be written and edited here in class before sending.

• Part 2: Formulate at least 10, insightful, thought-provoking, in-depth interview questions to ask your subject (use the questions handed out in class and those from Option 1 as examples).

• Part 3: Conduct your interview and take detailed notes on their responses.

• Part 4: Write a TWO-page, single spaced, post-interview reflection detailing their responses to your questions. Then compare and contrast their answers to your personal values and needs according to the questions you asked.

*Shadows/Interviews must be completed by June 5, 2014.*