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.

What’s a Shadow Project?

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.

Why shadow?

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

Get a headstart on this

The gap between

school and the real world.

Practice getting something you want.

Be able to connect with anyone.

SHADOW:• Bakers/chefs• Bakery owners• Café

managers

http://jeannines.com/restaurants/

I think I’d like to run a café!

SHADOW:• A real LEGO

designer (Skype/facetime)

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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:

• If you’re excited about the possibilities, it will be easy. • This ISN’T ABOUT SCHOOL.

Shadow where your interests lie.

Why not just

research it?

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

They’re going to say NO.

• 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.

Shadowing can help you…

Explore what you’re curious about in the world

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

Start developing critical soft skills way ahead of time.

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

Understand how much power you have to make things happen.

• 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:

Part II:How to shadow in 6 steps(coming soon – stay tuned!)

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