Student Shadow programs are informal arrangements between schools and businesses that give students the opportunity to explore the workplace. Businesses allow one or more students to follow employees around during the business day, observing, asking questions and taking part in planned hands-on activities.

Shadow experiences can last hours or days, depending on the age of the students and the resources of the business. Shadowing offers employers the opportunity to give students an overview of their businesses, and can range from short tours to intensive explorations for career-oriented students.

Hosting a shadow experience is an easy way for businesses to show students the range of career opportunities in their organizations. Student shadow programs are particularly attractive to businesses just "getting their feet wet" in school-to-careers programs because they don't require exhaustive preparation or long-term commitment. Employees seem to enjoy the shadow experience as much as the students do.

A successful shadow experience takes imagination and planning. The student's age and abilities should be taken into consideration. In general, the younger the student, the shorter and more general the experience should be. Planned activities can enhance the experience, and small gifts like company pens are a big hit. Career-oriented high school students always appreciate the individual attention of a mentor. Student shadowing can help businesses show off their company to students who may be future employees.

 

Many companies find that student shadowing is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved with schools and students. Student shadowing may be right for your company if:

• Your company would like to get involved in school-to-careers programs, but doesn't have the resources to commit to long-term programs at the present time.
• You would like to work with students of high school age or younger in short-term situations.
• You are interested in influencing the career decisions of young people at an early age.
• You would like your employees to be involved in a meaningful, fun public service project.
• You would like to become involved with the schools in a flexible and informal manner, at your company's convenience.
• You would like to become part of a very effective program that provides a substantial return for a small investment of company resources and time.

Once you have decided that a student shadow program is right for your company:

• determine what age group you would like to host,
• decide how many students you would like to host,
• contact your school district office or the schools in your area. Your regional Tech Prep Consortium will also help you get in touch with the appropriate educators.

 

Good communication between the business contact person and the teacher supervising the shadow program is essential. Mutual understanding of the goals of the program and careful planning of logistics and details will help to ensure a positive experience for the students and the business.

• Talk with your school liaison about the interests and abilities of the students who will be participating in the experience. Understanding what students expect from the experience will help you to plan rewarding activities.
• Meet with the employees who will be involved in the shadow experience to discuss ideas and concerns, as well as to brainstorm possible hands-on activities for the students.
• Develop an agenda for the day(s). Be sure to reach a clear understanding of the dates and times the students should be at the business, as well as appropriate dress and behavior. Discuss any special requirements your business may have, such as safety guidelines for hairstyles, clothing and jewelry. Determine who will provide special equipment like safety glasses or steel-toed boots. Even details like "Who provides lunch?" should be ironed out in advance. The teacher will arrange transportation and other logistical details.

It's a good idea to develop a written agenda and provide it to the teacher and the participating employees at your company. Submit your plan to upper management for approval, if necessary.

 

NOTE: THIS SECTION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL COUNSEL. FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE ON LIABILITY ISSUES, CONSULT YOUR LEGAL COUNSEL AND INSURANCE CARRIER.

Many companies are concerned about the legal liability of having student shadows at their workplace. Obviously, businesses must limit what activities students can engage in, and student supervision by appropriate employees is required at all times. Beyond these constraints, a little imagination and good planning can produce safe, rewarding activities for students. There are answers to liability concerns, and they should be addressed before the students come to the workplace.

• Most businesses carry general liability insurance that covers any visitors to their facilities. As guests in the workplace, students should be covered under general liability policies. Check with your insurance carrier to determine your coverage.
• Schools and school districts carry liability insurance for their students which covers field trips and other related activities. Check with your school liaison to make sure that insurance coverage is in place.
• Schools require students to have signed parent permission forms for any activities outside of the school campus. Make sure that your school liaison has student permission forms on file.
• Ask for copies of student permission forms and liability coverage from the school.

 

Once you have set a firm date and agenda for your shadow experience, send written notice to the departments and employees involved. Give them enough time to plan appropriately.

An effective student shadow program can help your company reach its community relations goals and develop a positive relationship with the educational system. Shadow programs can help schools and businesses expand career and educational opportunities for students. Shadow programs can also help build morale by allowing employees to share their expertise and experience with young people.

It's a good idea to start small, by hosting one or two students for a short-term experience. Careful planning and effective communication between the company and school can avert any problems and help build a program that your company can enjoy now and expand in the future.