The document discusses the concept of shadow projects, which involve spending time shadowing professionals in fields of interest to gain insights into their work and develop essential skills. It emphasizes the importance of real-world experience over academic understanding and encourages students to reach out to professionals, highlighting that most will be willing to share their knowledge. The document outlines potential job shadowing opportunities and the benefits it brings, including career exploration and skill development.

1. Shadow
Projects
How to reach out to
grownups, find out what
their work is really like,
and build critical future
skills at the same time.
And maybe have fun.

2. What’s a Shadow Project?

3. Spend an hour to a day
‘shadowing’ someone currently
working
in the job, with the degree,
in the organization,
or in the field
that you’re curious about.

4. Why shadow?

5. Build a deeper
understanding of what you
want to do after school.

6. Get a
headstart
on this
The gap
between school
and the real

7. Practice getting
something you want.

8. Be able to connect
with anyone.

9. SHADOW:
• Bakers/chefs
• Bakery owners
• Café managers
http://jeannines.com/restaurants/
I think I’d like to run a café!

10. SHADOW:
• A real LEGO
designer
(Skype/facetim
e)
• Other people
at LEGO
• Other product
designers
Photo from:
http://gizmodo.com/what-does-it-
take-to-snag-a-job-as-a-lego-
designer-1464347333
The best job in the world would be
designing Lego sets.

11. • Shadow:
• a professional
skateboarder.
• a retail skateboard
shop owner
• a board artist
• a board
craftsperson
• a skatepark
designer
• a physicist
studying physics
of skating
• A famous
skater/Youtuber
I love skateboarding.

12. • Shadow:
• Parent, family
friend!
• Something that
sounds fun
• In a field related to
your favorite
subject in school
• Something that
sounds
meaningful
• Something you’re
curious or
passionate about.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WANT TO
DO.

13. • What do they REALLY do?
• What do you need to know to do that job –
what knowledge do they use?
• What do they like best about their work?
• What do they hate about their work?
• What advice do they have for a student like
you?
• Anything else you have questions about.
Find Out:

14. • If you’re excited about the possibilities, it will be easy.
• This ISN’T ABOUT SCHOOL.
Shadow where your interests lie.

15. Why not just
research it?

16. I think you know.
academic understanding, info ≠ real world
experience.

17. They’re going to say NO.

18. • It makes people feel AMAZING to be asked about their work!!!
• They want to make a difference.
• 95% will say YES if you ask right. A few will be too busy.
• Taking initiative to learn is impressive to grown ups.
• No one does it; you’ll stand out. In a good way.
Importance, contribution, helping.

19. Shadowing can
help you…

20. Explore what you’re curious
about in the world

21. Find out what a job, career,
industry, or company is
really like.

22. Start developing
critical soft skills
way ahead of time.

23. Do something that you
choose, when you choose,
for your own future.

24. Understand how much
power you have to make
things happen.

25. • A school project that impresses the hell out of your teachers
• A great essay for college applications that shows you take
action and have confidence
• An article/video for the school news report
• A mentor? A fun outing? Parents off your back? A girl scout or
boy scout badge…Who knows what else. You’ve probably got
even better ideas.
And maybe even get you:

26. How to shadow in 6 steps
(coming soon – stay
tuned!)

27. Shadow
Projects
How to reach out to
grownups, find out what
their work is really like,
and build critical future
skills at the same time.
And maybe have fun.
www.parentsforfutureskills.com/
shadowing