One way to get an inside look at a profession you want to pursue without having to leave your home is YouTube. By searching for a particular topic in this way; ‘a day in the life of a [enter the professional]’, you can gain insights into what they do. With virtual job shadowing, you can hear firsthand accounts of how long they have been in the industry. You can even ask questions directly via comments.
These insights can be key when deciding whether or not a particular career path is right for you. Not only will it provide you with information about job requirements, but also insights into what people actually experience day-to-day on their job. You will get an in-depth look at what goes on in the work environment and what’s expected of the professionals who work there.
You don’t have to worry about travel expenses or relocating either; it’s all done online! YouTube provides access to a wide array of professionals who are eager and willing to share their own experiences of working in particular roles and industries – all from the comfort of your own home. This makes it easier than ever before for potential job seekers to explore new career paths without leaving their computer screens!
Alternatively, you could also watch career-related podcasts or interviews with industry experts on YouTube. This type of content is often more focused on providing practical tips and advice on how to become successful in any given field. It’s an excellent source of knowledge that can help guide your career path without the need for direct contact with those who are already employed in the industry.
Advantages of Virtual Job Shadowing:
Learning Opportunities:
Let’s face it: traditional job shadowing – as we knew it in the pre-2023 era – was rather mundane. It usually involved following a mentor or professional in their day-to-day job. While the experience could be eye-opening and informative, it was often restricted to a single field or industry. Fast-forward to the year 2023, virtual job shadowing has become the new normal. With virtual reality available to everyone, job shadowing can now be done on a global scale. You can job shadow a doctor in Germany, a financial analyst in the UK, or a fashion designer in Canada, all while sitting comfortably in your own home.
Convenience & Flexibility:
With virtual job shadowing, you can learn about a specific career or job from the comfort of your own home. For instance, you can observe the ins and outs of a career from the perspective of a professional who is already in the field. You can see the types of tasks they do, the way they interact with colleagues, and so much more. Plus, with virtual job shadowing, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule. You can observe for a few hours a day, for a week, or for a month – whatever works for you.
Availability of Mentors:
With the rise of digital technology and video conferencing solutions like Zoom, there are now options to connect virtually with mentors and gain the expertise and guidance needed to succeed in the workplace. Many companies are now offering virtual job shadowing programs as a way to connect with mentors outside of the company. These programs allow users to connect with experienced professionals in the field to gain a better understanding of how their job works and what they need to do to succeed.
Geographic Reach:
Virtual job shadowing is a real thing that can be accessed from almost anywhere in the world. The geographic reach for virtual job shadowing has expanded so much that you can access job shadowing opportunities from just about any corner of the world. In almost any corner of the world — from the jungles of Brazil to the deserts of Australia to the tundras of Russia — virtual job shadowing is now accessible. The geographic reach of virtual job shadowing in 2023 has made it easier than ever for students to get a glimpse into the world of work and get their foot in the door.
Potential Pitfalls of Virtual Job Shadowing
Virtual Job Shadowing is Not Equally Available:
Less experienced job seekers may find it difficult to establish meaningful connections with mentors in a virtual setting. This can be especially difficult for those in remote or rural areas where technology is not as accessible or reliable. Additionally, without the ability to physically observe mentors in the workplace, virtual job shadowing participants may have a harder time understanding the processes and procedures of a given job.
No Sense of Belonging:
virtual job shadowing can lead to a diminished sense of belonging. While physical job shadowing can help a student gain insight into an industry, it also provides them with a sense of belonging to that world. In a virtual setting, it may be harder for students to feel a sense of unity with a mentor and their industry as a whole.
Lower Engagement:
virtual job shadowing can potentially lead to a less engaging experience. With physical job shadowing, participants can get a better understanding of the culture and environment of the workplace. In a virtual setting, these experiences are lost. Additionally, without the ability to physically interact with people in a workplace, job seekers may find it more of a struggle to access the mentors and resources they need.
Will Virtual Job Shadowing Completely Replace On-Site Job Shadowing?
While virtual job shadowing sounds like something out of a Black Mirror episode, it’s actually rather tame compared to what dystopian sci-fi has to offer. It’s simply an opportunity for potential employees or students to observe professionals working in their desired field through a virtual platform.
Much like the endless debate between ebooks and physical books (personally, we prefer physical books because nothing beats the smell of fresh ink on paper), it is doubtful that virtual job shadowing will completely take over on-site job shadowing. This is especially true for careers that require you to put on a hard hat, wield a stethoscope, or perform a valiant dance with fire (we’re looking at you, firefighters).
Virtual job shadowing may allow you to observe tasks, learn about daily responsibilities, and develop an understanding of a particular career path, but there are limits. It simply can’t replicate the actual experience of physically being on-site and actively participating in tasks. It’s hard to practice your aim with a fire hose or experience the adrenaline rush of saving lives from behind your computer screen.
Important Relationships
Additionally, let’s not forget the importance of interpersonal relationships in the professional world. Virtual sessions cannot provide the same level of interaction as face-to-face encounters. You’ll miss out on opportunities to network and forge meaningful connections with colleagues, which is essential in any industry. Moreover, it’s hard to notice important subtleties like body language and workplace culture through a digital lens. You’ll need to physically step into a company’s environment to determine whether it’s a professional utopia or a den of toxicity.
Don’t worry though; we aren’t underestimating the power of virtual job shadowing. It certainly has its merits, particularly as remote working gains more traction in the professional world. Fields such as coding, graphic design, and even some aspects of marketing can benefit from this virtual alternative. Job seekers looking to enter digital domains will find virtual job shadowing valuable in giving them a sneak peek into their future workspace.
For budding surgeons, construction workers, or even chefs, however, on-site job shadowing still rules the roost. There’s no way an aspiring chef can virtually develop the skills needed to chop vegetables at lightning speed or taste test their culinary creations.
