Job Shadow Information

As part of the Senior Capstone Requirement, all students must participate in a job shadowing experience to be included in their Capstone Showcase prior to graduation. Job shadowing is a short-term, learning experience where an individual observes a professional at work to gain insight into their daily tasks, responsibilities, and the overall work environment of a specific job or field. It allows the participant to ask questions and network with professionals. Because many students begin making post-secondary plans in the fall of their senior year, it’s ideal for juniors to complete a job shadow experience in the spring of junior year, over the summer, or early in the fall of senior year.

For a meaningful experience, students should shadow someone in their career path interest area.
Students are responsible for reaching out to a potential job shadowing site to schedule the date and time of their experience. If you need help, ideas, or suggestions for possible shadow sites, speak with your teachers, Mrs. Walworth, Mrs. Ouillette or Mrs. Steglitz.

Click here for the TMS Job Shadow Packet 

Click here for Regional Business Directories

Job shadowing helps students:

• Gain information about possible future career interests

• Observe the daily routine of an employee/employer

• Observe the procedures of the business

• Gain an insight of the academic, technical, and personal skills required

• Gain an understanding of the connection between school and work

• Gain information to assist students in goal setting and educational planning

Steps for Completion of the Capstone Job Shadow Requirement:

Semester II of junior year through the fall of senior year students should complete the job shadow application and job shadow experience. Juniors will have an info session on job shadowing in the spring. Students will then make contact with job shadow sites of interest and fill out the TMHS Job Shadowing Application. 

• Students who plan to complete a job shadow during the school day:
  MUST turn in the job shadow application information AND the signed parent permission form to
  Mrs. Walworth, at the Main Office or Room A255 at least 2 weeks prior to the job shadow date.

• Students who plan to complete a job shadow over the summer:  
  Should turn in the completed Job Shadowing Attendance and Feedback Sheet along with the
  TMHS Student Job Shadow Reflection Form to Mrs. Walworth upon return to school in the fall.

• Students who do not complete a job shadow prior to 2nd Semester Senior Year:
  Any student who does not complete their application and job shadowing experience prior to 2nd semester of senior year will not be eligible for Open Campus in the spring. Please see Mrs. Walworth, Mrs.Ouillette, or Mrs. Steglitz for help. 

____________________

What you need to know

Review your job shadow application carefully. If you're unsure about anything—like the date, location, where to enter, or parking—call the job site to confirm the details. The address and phone number are listed on your application. Keep this sheet until your job shadow day, it will help when writing your thank-you letter afterward. If possible, do a practice trip to your shadow site before your actual visit, so you know exactly where to go. Important - Do NOT lose your job shadowing application!

ON YOUR JOB-SHADOW DAY

Bring -Take the Job Shadowing Attendance and Feedback Sheet and give it to your supervisor when you arrive. Let them know it needs to be filled out and returned to you before you leave. Don’t forget to take it home with you!

Lunch - Bring your own lunch or money to buy food.

Parking - Check ahead to see if you need to pay for parking.

Cell Phones - You can bring your phone, but only use it to take pictures for your POG Gallery—and only with permission. Keep your phone on silent and put away. No texting or calling during your shadow. 

Ear Buds - Leave earbuds at home. They are not allowed.

First  impression -  Arrive 15 minutes early—do not be late. Greet people with a firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile. Dress professionally, as discussed with your shadow contact.

Ask questions - Don’t be shy! Your host knows you’re there to learn, so ask about things you're curious about

Be appreciative - Your host is giving up time to help you—show appreciation with a handshake and a sincere thank you before you leave.

Reflection Sheet - Fill out the Reflection Form when you get home and turn it in to Mrs. Walworth ASAP to meet your graduation requirement.

Thank you note - Write and send a thank you note to your job shadow contact within 3 days. If you need help, talk to Mrs. Walworth, Mrs. Ouillette, or Mrs. Steglitz.

If you are sick - If you’re too sick to go, call your job shadow contact to let them know. Try to reschedule
if you can. Remember, you still need a job shadow experience as a Capstone requirement.

Enjoy your visit and have fun!

____________________

TMHS JOB SHADOW Student Questions 

Before you get to your job shadow, think about these questions you may want to ask. 

🔍 About the Job Itself

• What does your company do?

• What does a typical day look like for you?

• What are your main responsibilities?

• What skills are most important in your role?

• What do you enjoy most about your job? Least?

• How do you stay organized and manage your time?

📚 Education and Training

• What education or training did you need for this job?

• How long did the education or training take?

• Are there any certifications or licenses required?

• Does your company train on the job?

• Does the company offer tuition reimbursement?

• If you could go back, would you choose the same path?

💼 Career Path and Growth

• How did you get into this field?

• What other jobs have you had before this one?

• What are some possible career advancement opportunities?

• What advice would you give to someone entering this field?

🏢 Workplace Environment

• How would you describe the work culture here?

• Do you mostly work independently or as part of a team?

✅ Career Opportunities

• Are there any current positions open?

• Do you accept employees under 18 years old?

• Are you employing entry level employees straight out of high school?

• Are you accepting resumes at this time?

• Do you have a website with career opportunities listed?

• What are the 3 main character traits you look for in an employee?