How can you use job shadowing to grow your IT Strategy career?

2 Find a suitable shadowee

The next step is to identify someone who can offer you a valuable job shadowing experience. Ideally, you should look for someone who has the role, skills, or knowledge that you aspire to have, and who is willing to share their insights and feedback with you. You can start by asking your current or former managers, co-workers, or mentors if they know anyone who fits your criteria. You can also use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, to search for and contact potential shadowees. Be polite, respectful, and professional when you approach them, and explain why you are interested in job shadowing them.

4 Make the most of the shadowing day

On the shadowing day, you should arrive on time, introduce yourself, and thank the shadowee for their time and willingness to help you. You should follow their lead and observe how they perform their tasks, interact with others, and handle different situations. You should also ask relevant and respectful questions, take notes, and show enthusiasm and curiosity. You should avoid interrupting, distracting, or criticizing the shadowee, or imposing your opinions or expectations on them. You should also respect their confidentiality and privacy, and avoid taking photos or recordings without their permission.

5 Follow up after the shadowing day

After the shadowing day, you should send a thank-you note to the shadowee, expressing your gratitude and appreciation for their guidance and support. You should also review your notes and reflect on what you learned, what you liked, and what you need to improve. You should also identify the next steps that you can take to apply your learning and achieve your goals, such as taking a course, reading a book, or working on a project. You should also keep in touch with the shadowee, and update them on your progress and achievements. You should also ask them for feedback, recommendations, or referrals, if appropriate.

6 Overcome the challenges of job shadowing

Job shadowing can be a rewarding and beneficial learning method, but it can also come with some challenges. For example, you may have difficulty finding a suitable shadowee, or getting their approval and cooperation. You may also face logistical issues, such as scheduling conflicts, travel costs, or access restrictions. You may also encounter ethical dilemmas, such as confidentiality breaches, conflicts of interest, or plagiarism. To overcome these challenges, you need to be proactive, flexible, and respectful. You need to plan ahead, communicate clearly, and follow the rules and norms of the shadowee's organization and industry. You also need to be honest, ethical, and responsible, and acknowledge the shadowee's contribution and ownership of their work.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?