Job shadowing and volunteering
Job Shadowing
Are you considering several different careers? If so, one great way to explore a career before you decide on your major or career is to Job Shadow a professional for a day to see what a typical day is like for them. Here's how to get started:
- Ask your friends, family, mentors, class mates and others to build a list of potential people you can contact.
- Target 2 or 3 people that you could call or email to approach about job shadowing them for a day in their workplace. Tell them that you are exploring different career paths and you are considering a career in their field.
- If they agree, ask them when would be convenient for them, and any specifics you would need for your day; directions, appropriate dress, things you may do on the day of your shadow, etc.
- On the day of your job shadow, be sure to arrive early, be prepared with great questions to ask, specific things you would like to learn or observe during the day and be open minded to experiencing new things.
- After your job shadow, be sure to follow up with your host with a thank you. This is a person that will be a great addition to your network as you proceed with your career planning.
Volunteer Experiences
Volunteering is a great way to help an organization or people within a community; however, it is also a great opportunity for students to explore career areas of interest. Volunteer experiences allow students to get involved with an organization and its services, helping them to identify characteristics of a job they find rewarding, so they can make strategic decisions about what they want from their career. Volunteer experiences can be an extended commitment or even a short commitment of only one day, allowing the student to get involved at a level that works with his or her demanding schedule. Below are some resources for finding volunteer experiences:
- Corridor Volunteers- Explore volunteer opportunities in the eastern Iowa area.
- 10,000 Hours Show - Database of volunteer experiences in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area
- Iowa City Area Volunteer Opportunities
- United Nations Volunteer Opportunities
- Global Volunteer Opportunities - Help with human and economic development projects
- Volunteering Abroad - Volunteer Travel
- University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics Volunteer Services
- BUNAC - International Volunteer Experiences
- International Student Travel Program
- Volunteering: Iowa
