What is job shadowing? Definition and examples

When you’re fresh out of school or uni and figuring out your next steps, the choices in front of you can seem overwhelming. You might be curious about certain career paths, or unsure whether the role you want suits you at all. 

Enter: job shadowing, your front-row seat to the daily duties of your job of interest, offering you a peek into what the role entails.

This article covers what 'job shadowing' means and how job shadowing can guide your career choices. With our tips on finding job shadowing opportunities and making the most of your experience, you’ll walk away with helpful insights and valuable connections.

What is job shadowing?

Job shadowing, meaning following someone like a shadow, is an activity where you observe someone at work. You follow them as they go about their regular day-to-day, interacting with colleagues, going to meetings, doing their work and just generally going about their routine. You get opportunities to ask about the industry, role, and everyday tasks.

Job shadowing experiences can vary in length. They may last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Either way, you gain first-hand exposure and intel that you wouldn’t get from job ads or career guides, such as team dynamics, workplace culture, and the practical experience of the work.

Since job shadowing bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-life work, it’s commonly done by high school students, university students, and fresh graduates.

How job shadowing can benefit you

Whether you’re still in school or ready to join the workforce, job shadowing offers many practical advantages. 

• Get first-hand insight into your future career. If you’re keen on a particular industry or role, job shadowing shows you what a day in your working life would look like. You learn whether a job matches your interests and strengths in practice, not just on paper.

• Start building your network. Job shadowing allows you to connect with people who already work in your field of interest. These connections could even lead to internships or job opportunities in the future.

• Understand the work culture. You may sit in on team meetings, have chats with employees, and even eat lunch with them. You’ll gain a better understanding of how the workplace and organisation operates, including the internal hierarchy, and whether it’s a good fit for you.

• Identify skills you need. By observing someone in action, you discover the essential hard and soft skills needed to do the job well. You can see how fast they do certain tasks, how much time they spend on different duties, and how they contribute to support their team.  This can help you develop the right skills and attributes for the role.

• Give your resumé an extra boost. Shadowing sessions provide real-world insights you can add to your resumé or job interview answers. If you helped out with anything on the job, highlight that hands-on experience. If you simply observed, you can talk about what you learned and how it reinforced your interest in the industry.

How to find job shadowing opportunities

First, consider the industries and companies you’re most keen on. This will help you choose the most relevant and helpful job shadowing opportunities.

Here are three effective ways to start your search.

1. Reach out to career services

If you’re still studying, your first stop should be the career services centre where you study. Many tertiary institutions have job-shadowing programs or industry connections to help students explore career options.

Even if there isn’t an official program, don’t hesitate to ask your teachers or career advisors if they know people working in your area of interest. They may be able to introduce you to someone who can host a shadowing session for you.

2. Find a professional contact

Think of the people you know, including family, friends, and acquaintances. Someone in your network may have a connection in the field you’re interested in. You can ask if they’d be willing to introduce you or pass along your message.

If you don’t have personal connections, try contacting a few companies directly. Visit their websites to find the contact info of the relevant manager or their HR department. Send a short message expressing your interest in job shadowing opportunities.

Here’s a sample email:

3. Join relevant events

A relevant event could be an industry expo or job fair, a panel discussion, a conference or an open day - all are excellent places to meet people in your desired field. Even casual conversations can lead to job-shadowing opportunities.

You can start by attending events hosted by professional associations, universities or community organisations. Come prepared with questions and be open to talking about your career interests. You never know who might offer you a chance to shadow them or introduce you to someone who will.

Tips to make the most of your job shadowing experience

Job shadowing is a rare chance to experience a day in someone else’s working life, so it’s best to show up prepared and engaged. Here are some tips for maximising your shadowing experience:

1. Do some research on the company and role

Research the employer's recent projects and overarching business objectives. Understanding the big picture helps you better grasp how the person you’re shadowing fits into the organisation. You can also read sample job descriptions for the role. This will prepare you to recognise and understand the tasks you’re observing.

Jot down three to five things that interest you about the role or company. These notes can be great conversation starters during your shadowing session.

For instance, here’s a checklist for a student preparing to shadow someone at an architecture firm:

• Visit the firm’s website, particularly the ‘About’ page, and check out their social media posts.
• Research the architect’s recent projects and areas of specialisation.
• Write down any industry terms you don’t understand so you can ask about them later.
• Prepare a few questions about the architect’s process.

2. Prepare meaningful questions to ask

One of the best parts of shadowing a professional is the opportunity to learn from their experience and gain valuable career advice. Making a list of thoughtful, open-ended questions also shows your curiosity and enthusiasm.

Write down your questions before the session, and be ready to add more as you observe and learn new things. This list can get you started:

• “What training or career path did you take to get to this position?”

• “What are some challenges you face in your day-to-day work?”

• “What tools or systems do you use regularly in this role?”

• “How do you usually collaborate with other departments or teams?”

• “What advice would you give someone starting out in this field?”

Make sure to ask your questions at the right time, such as during a break or at the end of a task. You can say: “I have a few questions about what you did earlier. Would now be a good time to ask?” Avoid interrupting meetings or focused work.

3. Present yourself well

From the moment you arrive, how you present yourself shapes people’s impressions of you. You will be in a working environment, so present yourself appropriate to the setting.

Here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

• Be proactive with introductions: If you meet someone new, say hello and mention why you’re there. You could say “Hi, I’m Alex. I’m currently studying electrical engineering, and I’m here to shadow Raj. Thanks for giving me this opportunity.”

• Dress appropriately. If you’re shadowing at an office, wear business casual. For hands-on environments like hospitals or outdoor job sites, check if there’s a dress code, such as closed-toe footwear. If you’re in doubt, ask your contact about what would be appropriate for you to wear.

• Be mindful of your body language. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and show that you’re attentive.

4. Take notes, if appropriate

If you’re in an office environment, you may be able to write down your observations and learnings. This can help you remember and reflect on how the job aligns with your interests or desired career path. It also shows the person you’re shadowing that you genuinely want to learn from the experience. If you shadow someone in the field, you can ask questions to show that you’re paying attention to what’s happening.

Your notes might look like this:

• Jamie and other architects at the firm use Revit and SketchUp daily. Interns often start with modelling tasks.

• They schedule most client meetings in the mornings. The team collaborates on revisions afterwards.

• I loved seeing how site visits help architects visualise the project context.

• Deadlines are tight. Lots of back-and-forth with engineers and contractors.

• Jamie’s advice: Learn to communicate design ideas clearly, both verbally and visually.

Later, these notes help you decide if the role suits you. You can also use them in your resumé (for example, “Observed stakeholder meetings in a product development team”) and job interview answers (“During a job shadowing session, I learned…”).

5. Follow up on your connections

After your job shadowing session, send a thank-you message to your host and stay in touch via email. This gesture shows professionalism and gratitude – and helps you stay on their radar.

You can follow this sample thank-you email:

Building relationships can lead to opportunities down the track, so it’s good to keep a contact list of people you meet during your shadowing experience. Job shadowing isn’t just a peek into the professional world – it can be a launchpad for a career path you love.

Whether you’re a student, a recent grad, or just curious about a certain field, ask around and reach out to someone about shadowing opportunities. This might be the first step you take towards unlocking future opportunities and building a fulfilling work life.

FAQs

What is job shadowing?

Job shadowing means accompanying a professional in their workplace to observe how they do their job. By following them throughout their day, you get a first-hand look at their role, responsibilities, and working environment.

It’s not hands-on work, but it’s a valuable learning experience, particularly for students and people in their early career stages. You can learn more about a particular job or industry before committing to that path.

How is job shadowing different from an internship?

Job shadowing is mostly just observing – you watch and learn. On the other hand, internships usually involve active participation. Youl work on projects or tasks assigned by your supervisor.

Shadowing typically lasts a day or a week. It helps you understand the role. Internships often span weeks or months and offer hands-on experience as you learn on the job. You can think of job shadowing as dipping your toes in the water, while internships are like immersing in the role.

How long does job shadowing usually last?

Most job shadowing experiences last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Some programs offer one-day visits, while others can host you for a week or more. The length usually depends on availability.

Confirm the expected duration beforehand so you can prepare accordingly. Even a short session provides helpful insights into a career you’re curious about.

Who should consider job shadowing?

Job shadowing is ideal for high school and tertiary students exploring career options, recent graduates looking for direction, and even career changers considering a new industry or role.

Generally, it’s for anyone curious about what a certain job is like in the real world. If you’re wondering about your next step, shadowing can offer clarity or help you narrow down your interests. For instance, a psychology student unsure about pursuing clinical work might shadow a school counsellor to explore an alternative path.

What should I ask during a job shadowing session?

Ask about the person’s daily tasks, the skills that matter most in their role, and the challenges they face. See if they have advice for someone starting out in the industry. You can ask about learning resources and career growth opportunities. You can also ask about how they got into the field and what they enjoy most about their work.

Asking the right questions not only helps you gain insights you can’t easily find online but also shows your enthusiasm. Prepare questions in advance, and add new ones as they arise naturally throughout your shadowing experience. Be curious but respectful of confidentiality. Avoid personal topics and choose the non-busy times to ask questions.

Can job shadowing lead to a job offer?

Job shadowing might not lead to a job offer, but it can certainly open doors. If you make a good impression, express genuine interest, and stay in touch with the professional you shadowed, you might be their first choice when opportunities arise. Alternatively, they might offer to be a referee when you apply for part-time or full-time roles.

Even if you don’t get an offer, you’ll be better prepared for future job interviews because you’ll have real-world insights to talk about. You might even discover a suitable role you didn’t know existed.