Job shadowing is fantastic way for students to make more informed decisions about their career choice. It gives students an opportunity to explore different fields and see the daily responsibilities and routines of occupations that interest them. Students will be able to see professions in a real-world context and have the chance to ask a mentor questions about the education needed to obtain the position, the typical duties, and their advice on entering that career field.
A benefit of job shadowing is that it can help students determine what aspects of a profession they are attracted to, and perhaps help them realize they are not compatible with career fields they thought they had interest in. Being able to determine their likes and dislikes in high school sets them up for a more clear path towards their future goals, and prevents them from wasting any time pursuing a college major or trade they quickly realize they do not enjoy, or joining the workforce and taking a job they realize does not make them happy.
Another benefit of job shadowing is the opportunity for networking. Working with a mentor and meeting professionals in chosen field can help students make connections with people who have valuable experience that can later help them get jobs after high school or write them recommendations for scholarships and other opportunities. In addition, a positive experience with job shadowing could possibly lead to an internship for credit.
The Bethlehem Area School District offers students up to 15 hours of community service for job shadowing as long as it is done after school hours. Students may do 15 hours at one location, or they may do a few hours at multiple places in order to have a variety of different job experiences. Students may secure a job shadowing placement on their own, then meet with their counselor to discuss the opportunity and fill out the first half of the job shadowing form. Upon the completion of a job shadow, students will answer questions about their experience on the second half of the job shadowing form and turn it into the community service office. This form can be obtained from your counselor.
Job shadowing opportunities are sought out and secured by the students who are interested.
For more information on the importance of job shadowing, read Indeed's article entitled "Job Shadowing for High School Students (And Why It's Important)."
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The BASD Internship Program is intended to provide upperclassmen with opportunities to participate in on-site or off-site experiences related to their career goal. Through this program, students will interact with, observe, and assist individuals who are employed in an occupation.
The intent of a BASD internship course is to provide activities that will enable the student to make informed career decisions based on significant knowledge and insights developed during participation. If a student is interested in an internship, they can reach out to their counselor and the Career Pathways Liaison for help in finding one. Once they secure an internship, the counselor can put the course in their schedule so that they can receive credit for completing it. A previous, positive job shadowing experience can help students secure an internship.
Internships are sought out and secured by the student who is interested. Please refer to the internship guide below for tips on finding one. Remember, attending career-related events throughout your high school years gives you a better chance of networking with people who may be able to find you an internship in the future.
Objectives:
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To provide practical experience that enhances the classroom education of the student.
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To afford opportunities to gain further knowledge of the occupation.
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To help the students understand and appreciate their academic course work through direct application in a work setting.
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To develop effective employability skills and attitudes.
Criteria:
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Open to students who have completed their sophomore year.
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Students will not be paid for their internship experience.
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Students must be mentored by a field expert.
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Students should establish internship goals with their BASD supervisor and mentor.
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Students will submit a weekly internship logs and reflections as well as a portfolio and final reflection paper at the conclusion of the course.
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Students spend a minimum of 9 weeks or 60 hours participating in the internship experience.
A grade of Pass/Fail will be awarded for the Career Internship Experience and .5 credit of internship completion will be noted on the transcript. Class rank and GPA will not be affected by the internship.
Please see our Internship Guide for further information.