• Check out Leander ISD-Coordinated COOL Days! We may have an opportunity to match you with!

• Leverage your network - Ask family and friends, teachers, counselors, alumni

• Use online resources - Investigate on LinkedIn, industry-specific websites, job boards

• Explore community organizations - Local chambers of commerce list member businesses and local non-profits often welcome volunteers, so are used to hosting visitors

• Be proactive & persistent - Don't be afraid to reach out, follow up if you don't hear back, and offer to help. They'll never say "yes" if you never ask...and enthusiasm will go a long way!

Sample Email:

Dear [Professional's Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Grade] student at [Your School]. I am writing to express my keen interest in learning more about your career as a [Professional's Title] at [Company Name].

I have been following [Company Name] for some time and am particularly impressed by [Specific achievement or project]. I am eager to gain firsthand insights into your daily responsibilities, challenges, and the skills required to succeed in this field.

I would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to shadow you for a day. I am available on [List of dates]. I believe this experience would be invaluable in helping me determine if this career path aligns with my goals and interests.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

Talking Points:

• Introduce yourself - name, grade, school...and thank them for their time to chat with you

• Explain your interest - consider specific classes you've taken and experiences you've had 

• Connect your interest to their role/business - explain what you know about their work and business and why you feel this would be a valuable experience

• Offer to be helpful - offer to help with tasks as appropriate and express your eagerness to learn

• Thank them for considering your request and establish how you'll follow up (either to check in or for next steps if they've agreed)

Know before you go:

• Date: Be sure this works with your academic & extracurricular calendar. If it doesn't, proactively communicate and ask to reschedule

• Times: Be clear on what time to report and what time you'll wrap up, and keep in mind this saying: To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late!

• Location & parking: Know where you're going, and allow enough time for the commute and parking

• Point of contact: Who are you reporting to? Where should you meet them? How can you get in touch with them if you're suddenly ill or unexpectedly late?

• Attire: What is appropriate attire for this job site?

• Forms: Are there any forms or documents you need to bring with you?

• Lunch: What should you plan for lunch? 

• Do your research! Review information about the business/organization, the type of work they do, current and past projects, roles and employees. 

• Prepare questions: What questions came up during your research? What else do you want to know? Ask questions as appropriate throughout the day - that curiosity and eagerness to learn will pay off!