Job Shadows & Externships

While exploring career options, every student at CHS is strongly encouraged to participate in a one-day job shadow or a multi-day externship experience before graduation. Students are encouraged to research career objectives early in preparation for postsecondary and career success. The Job Shadow experience is a large component of this preparation. All students are required to field test their chosen pathway during Career Skills by participating in a Job Shadow or by completing a Job Interview.

As career training and college become more extensive and expensive, the importance of good educational decision-making rises as well. Job shadowing:

Allows students to connect with an adult in a career field of their interest and experience the workplace and workday first hand
Demonstrates the connection between academics and careers, encouraging students to learn by making their class work more relevant
Builds community partnerships between schools and businesses that enhance the educational experience of all students
Introduces students to the requirements of professions and industries to help them prepare to join the workforce of the 21st century
Encourages an ongoing relationship between young people and caring adults

NOTE: Participating in a minimum 3-day, 3-hour per day experience will contribute to the ACT 158 Evidence-based Pathway. Job shadows (not interviews) completed during the Career Skills course can be counted towards the ACT 158 Evidence-based Pathway.

Introduction

Quick Links to Important Documents

Many professionals in our community are willing to have a student(s) spend time with them so that the student will be able to get a first-hand view of the workplace. Students are responsible for:

Submitting the information and agreement form, completing in-class activities, using their network to search for a mentor, submitting the Job Shadow mentor information and final permission slip.
Being responsible for their own transportation to and from the job shadow
Calling or emailing their mentor the day before the job shadow to confirm
Dressing and conducting themselves in an appropriate manner
Submitting a thank you letter the day after the job shadow or interview experience
Completing a presentation and evaluation of my experience

Please review this page and the shared documents to better understand the forms required for the job shadow to become an excused absence. Please encourage and support your son/daughter in setting up and participating in their job shadow experience. While many job shadows are only one full workday, students are encouraged to shadow for up to 24 hours over a three-day experience. These days do not need to be consecutive or at the same location. A three day shadow will contribute to the Evidence-based Pathway for the Act 158 graduation requirement.

Any student who fails to submit the required application prior to their scheduled shadow MAY NOT attend this event, and must report to school. If the identified mentor does not submit all required documents and clearances, the job shadow will not be approved by CASD, the student may not attend the event, and must report to school.

A student who fails to provide the required application or attends the job shadowing experience without CASD permission will be charged with leaving the building without permission and will receive one (1) day of In School Academic Program (ISAP) placement the following school day that the student is present.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me by phone at 610.697.0111 or email at moyera@cattysd.org.

Process

Step 1: Use your network to search for a mentor.

Step 2: Complete the "I found my Mentor" form once you have identified an interested mentor. I will contact your mentor to request a copy of their free volunteer clearances. Parents/guardians listed in PowerSchool DO NOT require clearances.

Step 3: Wait for a confirmation email from Ms. Moyer approving your job shadow mentor.

Step 4: Contact your mentor to schedule your job shadow date(s)

Step 5: Submit your application (aka permission slip) at least 2 days before your first shadow. You will be given a due date for your reflection and thank you letter email once your application has been processed.

Step 6: Shadow!

Step 7: Complete your reflection (Career Skills reflection or ACT 158 reflection)

Step 8: Write and send your thank you letter email. Be sure to follow the directions carefully to earn academic, work-based learning, and/or ACT 158 credit.

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Job Shadows & Externships

Introduction

Quick Links to Important Documents

Process

Catasauqua High School