parent-to-parent
80%
of college
students switch
their major.
“We set up five different job
shadowing opportunities for our
eighth-grader. He was more
prepared for high school registr
ation
and looking towards college.”
-Anita Carter (mother of 3)
3.5:
computer science or computer
programming courses during
number of times
high school for more preparaan average
tion for college courses.
student changes
Job shadowing sometimes
majors.
is more beneficial in showing
your teen what they don’t want to
do, rather than what they want to do. Also, strengths and weaknesses in
major-related subjects should be considered. If your middle school student
is interested in computer programming but struggles with technology and
math classes in high school, it may be a sign that it’s not a good fit as a
college major. They could still work in the computer/technology field but
in a different area.
Ideally, you want your teen to find his or her perfect career path from
the start, but it is often a trial-and-error process. The earlier they begin,
the more time there is for additional experiences.
Know a Teen with
Pictured above (left to right): Over the years, students at Saint James have shadowed hundreds
of professionals, throughout the community. “The program, now more than 20 years old, has better
prepared students to make decisions regarding their eventual careers,” says Martha Cavanaugh, one of
the STJ program planners. A group of St. James students visit the WSFA newsroom. Students observe
veterinarian Dr. Zeb King during surgery. Rachel Rampy shadows an accountant for career day. The
Montgomery Academy Senior Parker Turner spends the day in the shoes of a second grade teacher.
Follow up
If your teen has a great shadowing experience, he or she should keep the
professional they worked with as a career mentor. Professionals in job
shadowing programs often want to help young people with their career
searches. Those already in the profession are the best sources for learning
what education and training is necessary to enter that field upon graduation and suggestions to be ahead of the curve. A mentor can also help
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