What is Job Shadowing?
Job shadowing is a training in which an individual, typically a new employee or a student, spends a period following and observing a more experienced employee as they perform their regular job duties. This allows the observer to gain insights into the role, responsibilities, and tasks associated with a specific job position.
This process can be part of onboarding, career development, or leadership training. Job shadowing experiences can range from a few hours to an extended period, allowing the observer to gain a deeper understanding of the job. It's a beneficial training method for enhancing professional development and acquiring practical knowledge within a specific field.
Types of job shadowing
There are three times of job shadowing:
- Observational – this is a natural (no-interference) method, and the purpose is to observe the natural way of performing a specific activity.
- Controlled – this is a type of shadowing where you receive information and updates about a specific role or job.
- Participatory – in this type of job shadowing, you actively participate and engage in the tasks and gain a firsthand perspective.
Difference between job shadowing and an internship
Internships are short-term roles with a set duration that provide valuable hands-on experience and an opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers. An internship is a more extended and hands-on work experience where participants actively contribute to the organization.
In an internship, the primary goal is to offer practical work experience related to a specific field of study, helping interns apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
Job shadowing aims to provide insights into a specific profession or industry, helping individuals make informed career decisions. Participants observe and ask questions, but they do not actively engage in tasks or projects.
Benefits of job shadowing
Job shadowing offers various advantages for both individuals and organizations:
- Provides a comprehensive insight into a specific role, helping individuals understand the responsibilities and expectations associated with it.
- Offers the opportunity to learn new skills and work methods, enhancing professional development.
- Fosters personal growth for both the person shadowing (shadowee) and the host. It allows the shadowee to develop professionally while also giving hosts a chance to share best practices.
- Enables employees to explore various career options within an organization, aiding in career development and decision-making.
- Ensures employees acquire specialized skills from experienced colleagues, promoting practical knowledge transfer within the workplace.
Disadvantages of job shadowing
Job shadowing, while beneficial, comes with its share of disadvantages:
- Limited hands-on experience:
Job shadowing primarily involves observation, limiting the trainee's ability to actively engage in tasks or gain practical experience.
- Long working hours:
Depending on the profession, job shadowing may entail long hours, potentially leading to fatigue or burnout for the observer.
- Workplace setup:
The trainee might not get a comprehensive understanding of the workplace dynamics, as they only witness a snapshot of the work environment.
- Clashing schedules:
Coordinating schedules between the mentor and trainee can be challenging, potentially leading to missed opportunities for shadowing.
- Dependence on mentor's knowledge:
If the mentor lacks specific knowledge about the job, the trainee might not receive the most comprehensive learning experience.
Tips for Job Shadowing
- Choose your coach wisely
Since this training defines your future in the company, make sure that you are matched with a coach or mentor who has deep understanding of the role. Share your objectives with you coach and make a plan with him that includes your growth journey.
- Prepare and plan your day
Make sure you have an agenda with you. Ask yourself, why am I here and what I want to learn. Your coach might be doing hundreds of tasks in a day, but you have to keep yourself focused by working and observing the tasks that you have planned for yourself.
- Ask questions
Instead of passively observing, become an active listener by asking questions. The more you inquire, the more you'll learn alongside your coache. Remember, mistakes are opportunities for growth, so don't be afraid to experiment and learn from them.
- Collect Feedback
Regular self-assessment is crucial. Schedule weekly one-on-one sessions with your coach, their honest feedback will be invaluable in gauging your performance and identifying areas for growth.
Summary:
Job shadowing provides a valuable opportunity for new employees and university students to gain practical insights into a specific job or profession. By observing experienced professionals in action, participants can make more informed career decisions and build essential networks within their chosen field.
From tech startups to oil giants, companies in the UAE and KSA are opening doors to job shadowing. Experience a specific role, ask questions, and network with industry leaders to jumpstart your future.
