Pulling Job Shadows into the Light
Mallory McGuire, sr., at her internship over the summer at Unity Point. McGuire is considering being a nurse in the future and was able to explore that interest through Kirkwood’s Workplace Learning Connections program.
September 13, 2018
It’s that time of the year when all the sophomores, juniors, and seniors are trying to decide which job shadow to do. All applications for job shadows are due Sept. 20. Additional information regarding when and where the students’ job shadows are will be sent via email and text message.
Job shadows are an opportunity for students to explore real life career options available to them in their area once they graduate. After attending a job shadow, students may either decide they would like to pursue a degree related to that field, or explore other options, as students may attend more than one job shadow throughout their high school career. Another option for students is a 45 or 90 day internship with local businesses. In this case, the student has a clearer sense of what he/she would like to pursue, and then has the opportunity work in that field for an extended period of time to ensure their future plans coincide with their interests. Any student can do a job shadow or internship, and all students are encouraged to attend at least one job shadow before they graduate.
To register for a job shadow, go to the official Kirkwood website and it will have all of the registration steps. Requested will be phone number and email, which is necessary to send further information about the job shadow. It will also be mandatory for parents or guardians of the student to confirm the job shadow’s date and time and to give permission for the student to attend.
The Kennedy High school facilitator for job shadows is Jay Goodlove. Goodlove will tell students when the job shadows are, where to submit the application, and how to get everything set up for job shadow day. Goodlove’s contact information can be found on the Kennedy home page.
Kirkwood’s school liaison is Mariann Ryan, who ensures that the job shadow application gets to the businesses requested. Both Ryan and Goodlove can answer any questions or concerns that go along with the job shadows.
If you are interested in applying for a job shadow go to www.workplace-learning.org. Contact Goodlove or Ryan with any questions or concerns with either your job shadow or internship.
