GRANT HIGH SCHOOL

INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND MATH (ISM)

JOB SHADOW PACKET

TABLE OF CONTENTS

JOB SHADOW EXPERIENCE 2

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITES
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EMPLOYER OVERVIEW 5

STUDENT CHECKLIST 6

STUDENT REFLECTION 7

EMPLOYER EVALUATION of STUDENT 11

 GRANT HIGH SCHOOL
INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND MATH (ISM)
JOB SHADOW EXPERIENCE

What is a job shadow?

A job shadow is an opportunity for you to spend approximately 3 or more hours with one
or more employees at a business, non-profit organization, or government agency. The objective
is to provide you with an opportunity to learn from a person working in a job in which they use
math and/or science in their work.
By “shadowing” someone, you will get a firsthand perspective of what adults do in the
world of work. Additionally, you will better understand the process of career exploration, and
gain experience approaching the world of work as a future employee.

Top Ten Reasons for Doing a Job Shadow

1. You will see firsthand what really goes on in the work place.
2. You may have the opportunity to see Portland from a new perspective.
3. You can explore a career in which you might have an interest.
4. You will meet interesting people who may help you with future jobs.
5. You may learn about what job and career opportunities are available.
6. You may learn aspects of jobs which look attractive or don’t look attractive to you.
7. You will learn part of the process of career exploration.
8. You are likely to have a very interesting and fun experience.
9. You can use it for resumes and applications.
10. It is a requirement for the sophomore year of ISM.

ISM Job Shadow Process

1. Think about a career involving math, science and/or technology that you might be interested
in pursuing after high school.
2. Ask friends, family, neighbors, etc. if they know of anyone in this field. If you get stuck,
come to the ISM office and we will help you.
3. After you have selected someone to do a job shadow with, you absolutely must come to the
ISM office to pick up the “JOB SHADOW PACKET.” The job shadow packet includes
information about a permission slip, job shadow etiquette, confirming your appointment,
writing a thank you note and employer evaluation. You will not get credit for your job
shadow unless you complete the packet.
4. After completing your job shadow (which, of course, was incredibly exciting and
fascinating), turn in your reflection and a copy of your thank you note to the ISM office no
later than April 30.

If you have any questions regarding the job shadow process, come to the Career Pathways/ISM
office (RM 120) or contact Traci Osterhagen at tosterha@pps.k12.or.us or 503-916-5160 ext.
493. Have a great time!
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 GRANT HIGH SCHOOL
INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND MATH (ISM)
JOB SHADOW STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Your job shadow experience is likely to be an interesting and fun experience. We are pleased you
are taking advantage of this opportunity. Your host employer has volunteered to have you visit their
workplace and we ask you to remember they are busy people. Please show them respect, appreciation,
and let them know through your questions and actions that you are interested in what they are teaching
you.
The following is a list of responsibilities you need to complete as part of your job shadow experience:
BEFORE JOB SHADOW

1) Fill out the parent/teacher job shadow authorization form. This form needs to be turned in the
ISM before your job shadow so we can notify the attendance office. If you are going when
school is out, you just need to have your parents sign the form.
2) Call to confirm your job shadow appointment. You may use the phone in the ISM office. Be
sure to make sure you know where to meet your host on the day of the job shadow. Ask them
how you should dress – some businesses will not allow you to job shadow unless you are dressed
appropriately. Every student must dress at least business casual attire (see very important
guidelines).
3) Review the question sheet and come up with your own questions as well. Plan what you are
going to wear for your job shadow.
4) Make sure you have your transportation plan figured out so you will be able to
arrive on time.

DAY OF JOB SHADOW

1) Show up on time! Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early. If you are sick or having a problem, call
your contact person and tell him/her that you will be late or unable to attend.
2) When you arrive, introduce yourself and ask for the person you will be shadowing. Introduce
yourself and shake his/her hand. Politely ask your host for a business card, as you will need a
complete name, job title, and address for your thank you letter.
3) Give the employer the Student Evaluation Form and return envelope.
4) Dress appropriately, be polite, and use your energy to make a good impression for
yourself and your school. (Remember that hats or shorts may not be worn during job shadows.)
Please keep in mind that your host is giving up time to work with you. Act interested, even if you
find that you do not like the job. Pay attention to what you either like or don’t like about the job.
5) Listen carefully and observe. Find appropriate times to as your questions. Feel
free to ask many questions, this is a time to gather information.
6) Complete the Student Reflection Form.
7) Write thank you note/letter.

DAY AFTER JOB SHADOW

1) Turn in your Reflection Form and copy of your thank you note/letter to the ISM office

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2) Let Jennifer Rodgers know how the job shadow went; what went well, if there were any problems
or concerns, and if you have any further questions.
VERY IMPORTANT GUIDELINES:

1) Under no circumstances should you simply “not show up”. In the event that you
are unable to attend, it is very important that you call your host.
2) Be sure your transportation plan will get you to and from the job shadow in a safe,
and efficient way. It is very important that you are safe, and it is also important
for you to arrive on time.
3) All rules of conduct that exist in school also exist during the job shadow
experience. Please carry yourself in a thoughtful and respectful manner.
3) DRESS APPROPRIATELY! All students must at least dress in “business casual” attire. This
means dress pants and collared shirts for men and dress pants
(or skirts) and blouses for females. Wear comfortable shoes – some job shadows will require lots
of walking and standing. Absolutely no jeans, shirts, etc.

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 GRANT HIGH SCHOOL
INSTITUTE FOR SCIENCE AND MATH (ISM)
JOB SHADOW EMPLOYER OVERVIEW

A job shadow is an opportunity for a Grant student to spend approximately 3 or more hours with
one or more employees at a business, non-profit organization, or government agency. The objective is to
provide the student with an opportunity to learn from a person working at a job in which the student has
expressed an interest. By “shadowing” a worker, the student will get a firsthand perspective of what
adults do in the world of work. Additionally, the student will better understand the process of career
exploration, and gain experience approaching the world of work as a future employee.
During job shadows, host employers are encouraged to perform normal work activities with a
willingness to talk with the student about their work and its significance in the organization. Students are
encouraged to ask questions of their host, such as “What do you like about your job?” or “What kind of
education or training do I need?” Students are not expected to do “real work”, but opportunities that allow
for a brief contribution are appreciated.
We appreciate your willingness to host a student. Your willingness to accept a student into your
world will be a big boost for his/her self-esteem. For many students this job shadow will be their first
entry into the “real world of work”, as well as a step outside of their “comfort zone”.

EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYER:

1. Accept a phone call from a student seeking to confirm a job shadow appointment with you.
2. Simply be yourself and let the student observe you at work. Explain the important aspects of
your job and how you relate to others in the organization. Answer the student’s questions as
best you can.
3. Complete a brief evaluation of the job shadow experience. (We provide a form)

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENT:

1. Call the employer to confirm the appointment.

2. Arrange transportation to and from the job shadow.
3. Dress and act appropriately. Ask relevant questions of host employer.
4. Thank employer and send a written thank you note.

OTHER INFORMATION

Students are on a limited time schedule. They will be excused from school for time spent on the
job shadow and for time traveling to and from the work site.

For more information please contact Traci Osterhagen by phone 503-916-5160 ext. 493 or email
tosterha@pps.k12.or.us

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 GRANT HIGH SCHOOL
INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND MATH (ISM)
JOB SHADOW EXPERIENCE

_____________________________ ________________________
Student name (last, first) 2nd period Teacher

Time and Place of Job Shadow

_____________________________ ________________________
Contact Person Telephone #

_____________________________ ________________________
Title Date of Appointment

_____________________________ ________________________
Organization Time of Appointment

_____________________________________________________________________
Street Address
_____________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code

Items to be Completed Date Completed

Before Job Shadow

1. Set up appointment to discuss job shadow/turn in request for assistance _____________
2. Call contact to schedule job shadow appointment _____________
3. Turn in Teacher/Parent Permission Slip _____________
(Write transportation plan on slip).
4. Call contact 2 to 3 days before job shadow to confirm appointment. ______________
5. Review your questions, transportation plan, and responsibilities ______________
discussed in “job shadow kit”.
6. Review appropriate dress, introductions, importance of eye contact. ______________

Day of Job Shadow

.1. Be on time for job shadow. Bring paper, pen or pencil, questions, ______________
“Student Evaluation” and stamped envelope addressed to Grant High.

Day After Job Shadow

1. Complete Job Shadow Reflection. ______________
2. Write and mail thank you note. ______________
Employer evaluation returned. (not necessarily the day after). ______________

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 GRANT HIGH SCHOOL
INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND MATH
JOB SHADOW STUDENT REFLECTION FORM

Student Name: Student ID#: _______

Date Of Job Shadow:
Host’s Name: Telephone: ______
Title: Email Address: _____
Address:
______________________________
Company:

Please respond to each of the questions thoughtfully, in complete sentences, and using standard
English conventions on an attached sheet of paper.

1. What aspects of the experience and of the job you shadowed were especially interesting or
uninteresting?

2. Were your host or hosts especially welcoming and informative? Did they provide a good overview of
the job and the organization? Would you recommend this job shadow experience to another student?

3. How were math, science and technology used in this field? Please be specific and detailed.

4. What type of education or training in math, science and/or technology does one need to have for this
type of job?

5. Are you interested in participating in another job shadow? What fields of work would you like to
explore next?

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6. Do you have any suggestions for improving our job shadow program?

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 Student Reflection
Completing a Job Shadow provides the opportunity to apply many of the Career-Related Learning Standards
(CRLS). Using the following scale of 1-4, rate yourself in the following areas. Then chose one to expand as a
reflection for your CRLS.
1=Not Applicable 2=Below Expectations 3=Meets Expectations 4=Exceeds Expectations
1. Personal Management – Did you:
Arrive on time? 1 2 3 4
Dress appropriately for the work expected? 1 2 3 4
Identify tasks needing to be done and gone on to complete those tasks? 1 2 3 4
Interact appropriately with others (teachers, community partners, peers)? 1 23 4
2. Problem Solving – Did you:
Identify a problem or issue? 1 2 3 4
Use problem solving or decision-making skills to develop solutions? 1 2 3 4
Develop a plan to implement the solution? 1 2 3 4
3. Communication – Did you:
Ask appropriate questions? 1 2 3 4
Listen actively and ask for clarification when necessary? 1 2 3 4
Write clearly and accurately? 1 2 3 4
Give and receive feedback in a positive manner? 1 2 3 4
Read to find information? 1 2 3 4
4. Teamwork – Did you:
Demonstrate respect and flexibility in team situations? 1 2 3 4
Work effectively as a member of a team? 1 2 3 4
Demonstrate skills that improve team effectiveness (e.g. compromise,
consensus building, conflict management, or goal setting)? 1 2 3 4
5. Employment Foundations – Did you:
Demonstrate career investigation skills to choose your Job Shadow? 1 2 3 4
Apply academic knowledge in a career context? 1 2 3 4
Observe different parts of an organization and see how the parts
fit together to move work through the organization? 1 2 3 4
Follow health and safety procedures? 1 2 3 4
Use tools and technology appropriately? 1 2 3 4
6. Career Development – Did you:
Ask about the education, training, and work experience needed
in this field? 1 2 3 4
Ask how skills developed in school relate to future education, training,
and employment in this field? 1 2 3 4
Demonstrate an interest in this career field? 1 2 3 4

7. Choose one of the CRLS listed above and write a paragraph for each (preferably typed) reflecting on how you
demonstrated skills in each area. For example, you may reflect on how your group was assigned a large task and
through teamwork the group accomplished the goal and about how you learned that the skills you use in a specific
course will apply to that career field.

Please remember your Job Shadow needs to be related to math, science, or technology and be a minimum of 3 hours in
length. There are additional requirements for the Job Shadow. Please refer to your Job Shadow Checklist.
Please return this form to the ISM office (Room 120) no later than May 1sth. If you have any questions, please contact
Traci Osterhagen at tosterha@pps.k12.or.us or 503-916-5160 ext. 493.

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 GRANT HIGH SCHOOL
INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND MATH (ISM)
EVALUATION of STUDENT
We appreciate your taking time to host a Grant student at your place of work. We would appreciate
your taking a few minutes to share your assessment of the job shadow experience. Your feedback will be
helpful to us as we set up future job shadow experiences.

HOST’S NAME: TELEPHONE:

TITLE: NAME OF STUDENT:

COMPANY: DATE OF JOB SHADOW:

ADDRESS:

Using the following scale of 1-4, please rate the student in the following areas:

4= Exceeds Expectation 3= Meets Expectation 2= Below Expectation 1= Not applicable

1. Personal Management:
Confirmed appointment. 4 3 2 1
Reported to Job Shadow at appropriate time. 4 3 2 1
Related well to host and others. 4 3 2 1
Was a pleasure to have as a job shadow guest. 4 3 2 1
Arrived dressed and groomed appropriately for the day. 4 3 2 1

2. Communication:
Asked appropriate questions. 4 3 2 1
Listened actively and asked for clarification when necessary. 4 3 2 1

3. Workplace Organization:
Examined how work flows through the organization. 4 3 2 1

4. Career Development:
Asked about the education, training, and work experience 4 3 2 1
needed in this field.
Asked how skills developed in school relate to future 4 3 2 1
education, training and employment in this field.
Demonstrated an interest in this career field. 4 3 2 1

5. Overall Evaluation:
Student seemed to benefit from the experience. 4 3 2 1
I think this was a valuable use of my time. 4 3 2 1

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6. Summary comments: Comment on student performance including any particular strengths, or areas for
improvements.

7. Do you have any suggestions for improving our job shadow program?

8. Are you interested in hosting another student in the future?

Please return to:

Traci Osterhagen
Career Pathways and Institute of Science and Mathematics
Grant High School
2245 NE 36th Avenue
Portland, OR 97212
Fax: 503.916.2695

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Email: tosterha@pps.k12.o.r.us

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