Job shadowing is a motivating activity designed to give kids the unique opportunity of an up-close look at the world of work and provide answers to commonly asked questions.

Job Shadowing is an opportunity for students to connect with professionals who have specific knowledge about an occupation or career in which the student shows an interest. A job shadow provides first hand awareness of responsibilities and tasks associated with the mentor’s career. While the purpose of a job shadow is to gather career related information and expand networking contacts, participants also become aware of trends in the field and see workforce technologies in action. Each participant gains unique benefits from job shadowing.

Job Shadowing | Students

Through the process of student job shadowing, the following is attained:

• Provides answers: “Why do I have to learn this?” and “Would I want to make this job a career?”
• Provides insight: Students observe not only job characteristics and responsibilities, 
but also what each profession requires on a day-to-day basis
• Lets students learn first-hand: Working with professionals, the people who know best, 
students see what it takes to be successful.

Job Shadowing | Mentors

Job shadow mentors prepare the future workforce by:

• Showing students different career possibilities
• Demonstrating a tangible commitment
• Sharing a feeling of on the job satisfaction
• Promoting potential long-term relationships

Shared Health (MB Healthcare Providers Network) has helped to arrange a number of experiences, some examples of job shadowing include: Students visited Dauphin, Brandon, Grandview and Boundary Trails Health Centre where they explored various health careers such as Medicine & Nursing. One young lady from Morden stated that the experience motivated her to continue to pursue her interest in Medicine.

“It really motivated me to continue pursing a career as a physician. I think that I would enjoy treating patients and help them to overcome their health problems.”

After spending a day on the Labour & Delivery floor at the Brandon Hospital a grade 12 student from Killarney Collegiate said that the experience definitely increased her understanding of the nursing profession.

“I got to see just how much personal involvement is involved; I loved it! It was very special to witness a birth.”

Students complete a formal request form, and then upon receipt Shared Health (MB Healthcare Providers Network) arranges by way of numerous connections, a suitable place & time. Based on how much time the potential host has available — and how willing they are to participate — one can ask to shadow for a few hours, a day or even a week. Although there are numerous factors that make job shadowing possible.

Overall, a job shadow opportunity is a win-win situation for everyone involved!