Job Shadowing

One of the best ways to learn about a career is by job shadowing. Job shadowing means that you --for one or more workdays-- work with a professional in their field. This will give you direct insight into what is required on the job and have an individual to give you their personal experience. Those are two strong reasons to try to do this as soon as possible in your professional development. You will be able to form your own personal opinion and have someone who does the job for a living give you theirs. But
prior to going on a shadowing experience, gather information about the organization. The shadowing experience will be more meaningful if you research the facts about what type of industry the organization is, what products or services it offers, and the organizational structure. Also don't be afraid to ask educated and well-thought-out questions during your job shadowing experience as it will make you more knowledgeable about the position. Finally develop your ability to work with persons of different educational, economic, cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds so this will remove any bias that you may have about the job based solely on the person you were shadowing.

If you have any of your own personal experiences job shadowing please feel free to comment. Also feel free to leave tips on how to be more effective as an individual who is shadowing a professional.