Pros and Cons of Job Shadowing Someone

Key Takeaway

Job shadowing lets you observe, ask questions, and get a real-world look at a career you’re considering.
Shadowing someone in a role you’re interested in can help confirm if it’s the right fit, give you motivation to excel in college, and even save you time and money by preventing a wrong career move.
When reaching out to network, be specific about who you’d like to shadow—following someone in your dream role gives you the clearest picture of the job.

What are the pros and cons of job shadowing?

If you’re deciding whether or not a professional field is for you, job shadowing is a great option to consider. You may have heard the term before, but what exactly is job shadowing, and why might it be the right choice for you? In this guide, we’ll break down job shadowing, its benefits, who it’s for, and a quick list of pros and cons.

What Is Job Shadowing?

Job shadowing is an opportunity that allows you to “shadow” a professional while they are at work. This generally means that you follow them around for a set period of time, observe them at work, and ask useful questions about the field. The amount of time you shadow someone will depend on the industry and the employer.

Is Job Shadowing the Same as an Internship?

Nope! While the two are similar in some ways, they are not technically the same.

Job shadowing is all about observing. You will typically follow an employee around for a short time to see what their day-to-day looks like.
Internships are more hands-on. They are longer and allow you to actually complete work and gain real-world experience in a field.

What Are the Benefits of Job Shadowing?

If you’re wondering why you should job shadow, take a look at the benefits:

You will get a realistic look at the job. You will get a true behind-the-scenes look at what your day-to-day life could actually look like on the job.
It could confirm your career choice. After shadowing someone, you might feel even more confident about your future career path—or you might end up rethinking it. Either way, it’s a great way to get some clarity.
You could save time and money. If you decide early enough that this isn’t the right path for you, you can change majors or explore something else before investing in a career that doesn’t fit.
You could gain motivation for college. If the job you are shadowing aligns with your future career goals, it could increase your motivation to excel in your college studies.

Who Should Job Shadow?

Job shadowing is a great idea for any high school or college student who is starting to think about their future. Maybe you’ve always had a dream of being a firefighter. Asking to shadow one could be a great way to help you see if it’s something you’d actually enjoy.

On the other hand, maybe you have no idea what you want to do yet, or you’re considering a major, but you’re just not confident it’s for you. Asking to shadow someone is a low-pressure way to find out if a certain career lines up with what you want to do.

What Professionals Should You Follow When Job Shadowing?

Who you shadow does matter. For example, say you’re interested in becoming a principal one day. While shadowing a teacher could certainly be helpful, it would be better to spend time shadowing a principal so you can get a glimpse of what that specific job is really like. The same goes for any career—the goal is to spend time with someone who is in a role that interests you. You don’t just want a general idea of the industry—you’re aiming to get a front-row seat to what your future could look like.

How to Connect with Professionals for Job Shadowing

To make sure you get that front-row seat to the shadowing experience you want, it’s all about how you network. And believe it or not, many companies welcome those who wish to shadow. All you have to do is be willing to ask.

Start by asking people you know. You might be surprised at the connections you make just from your inner circle. If that doesn’t work out, contact companies and explain your desires and aspirations. Don’t forget to share how job shadowing would help guide your next steps. Most people are happy to help; you just have to put yourself out there and ask.

The Pros and Cons of Job Shadowing

Pros

Cons

Potential for a Recommendation Letter

If you make a great impression, the professional you shadow might be willing to write you a letter of recommendation. Just make sure you request it early on!

It’s Not Real Job Experience

It shows initiative, but it doesn’t include hands-on experience. Some employers might want to see more than a job shadowing experience.

You’ll Get To Observe the Work Environment

Are the employees respectful to one another? Does it seem like everyone is relaxed and happy, or do they appear harried and overworked? Pay attention to how the atmosphere among employees, employers, and consumers makes you feel.

You Might Catch an “Off” Day

Some work days are exciting, while others might move a little…slower. You never know what kind of day you might get, and you might not have enough time to get the full range of those different kinds of workdays.

Less Time-Intensive Than an Internship

If your schedule is packed, job shadowing can get your foot in the door. It’s a way to still show you’re motivated and explore multiple career options.

There Might Not Be Time for All Your Questions

Busy moments may happen on the job. Writing notes and questions will come in handy, but there might not be time to get all the answers you hoped for.

Ultimately, job shadowing is for high school or college students who want to make more informed decisions about their future. Before you invest time, money, or energy into a career path that might not be the right fit, ask around and see if there is someone in that career who you can shadow. Who knows, getting to see a professional in their day-to-day life might be the clarity you need to move confidently toward your goals.

Just like job shadowing gives you a clearer picture of a career, College Raptor helps you avoid going into college blindly. Use our College Match tool to explore your options, compare schools, and find the right fit—before you commit.