Teenage Expert on Job Shadowing Offers Career Advice

Many schools require students to participate in job shadow experiences to gain exposure to various careers. One teenage has participated in 50 job shadows across the country, and documented her experiences in a book.

Tacoma, WA (PRWEB) January 30, 2005 -- Each February, Punxsutawney Phil gets nation wide publicity as he looks for his shadow on Groundhog Day. On February 2, over one million students will look at possible careers while participating in National Job Shadow Day.15 year-old Sondra Clark did more than simply observe one person on the job. She spent a year traveling across the US with her parents in an RV, doing research for a book on job shadowing. The young teen spent her days shadowing Shamus trainer at SeaWorld. She watched a master designer create giant Lego structures at LegoLand and helped a Broadway theater critic write his review of a play at Madison Square Gardens.

The whole concept of job shadowing has even produced a designated holiday". Now in its eighth year, National Job Shadow Day program encourages students to spend February 2 shadowing an adult on the job. Many schools require students to participate in job shadowing experiences as a graduation requirement.

Clark, who published Cool Careers in Parks and Recreation encourages teens to job shadow people in their community. I was amazed at how many people offered me jobs after I job shadowed them", said Clark. Of course, they all said I had to finish college first!" Clarks varied experiences gave her the chance to feed goats at a petting zoo, participate with a family therapist who uses horses in his practice and help design girls underwear for Lands End. So often, kids make career choices because of a popular TV shadow. Right now colleges are getting requests from students wanting to go into interior design, because of shows like Trading Spaces", said Clark. She encourages students to spend time with people in a wide variety of careers. You can job shadow someone anytime of the year. It doesnt have to be on National Job Shadow Day. Who knows? It could lead to a summer job or internship."

Clarks book, Cool Careers in Parks and Recreation, describes her experiences job shadowing 25 people in various recreation-related careers. Available on www.amazon.com or www.sondraclark.com

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