Educational Talent Search - Mineral Area College

Educational Talent Search
Mineral Area College
PO Box 1000 Park Hill, MO 63601
573-518-2380 Fax 573-518-2168
April 1, 2013
Dear ETS Parent/Student:
ETS is offering a job shadowing experience designed for 9 th , 10 th , 11 th , and 12 th grade students.
The goal of the job shadowing program is to give our students an opportunity to experience
different careers “up close”. By participating, students have an opportunity to learn first-hand
about an occupation they may choose as a career or college major.
Enclosed in this packet is a brief summary of what job shadowing is, a student parent contract, as
well as a short survey the student will need to complete and return in the enclosed envelope. This
survey will assist in placing the student in a field that meets their interests.
They will be required to attend a Job Shadowing Etiquette Workshop on Thursday, May 23,
from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Mineral Area College in North College Center Room A, where
they will be informed of their job placement. Students will participate in an etiquette business
dinner during this time. Transportation to/from the workshop, as well as to the actual job
shadowing sites, will be the student’s responsibility. The job shadowing experience will occur
during the summer. The actual day(s) will be determined by each professional who will be
mentoring the students.
Please note that the Job Shadowing Survey and the Student/Parent Contract must be
completed and returned to our office by April 19. If you have any additional questions about
the job shadowing program, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Cindy Burnett
ETS Director
573-518-2388
cindy@mineralarea.edu

Job Shadow Program
What Career Exploration Should Be!
What is Job Shadowing
Job Shadowing is an opportunity for you to connect or “shadow” with a business professional (job shadowing
mentor) who has specific knowledge about an occupation or career in which you are interested. You observe
responsibilities and tasks associated with the mentor’s career and have the opportunity to ask questions about the
knowledge, skills, talents, and level of education required for the job. While the purpose of job shadowing is to
gather career related information and expand your networking contacts, it also allows you to build interviewing
skills, become aware of trends in the field and see workforce technologies in action.
Does Job Shadowing Really Work
Yes! Job Shadowing works because most people:
• Enjoy talking about their jobs and career fields.
• Are flattered that you ask their advice to assist with your career and future.
• Are empathetic about career transitions because they have experienced them.
• Like to assist others because it makes them feel good.
Why Should I Participate in a Job Shadowing Program
A job shadowing experience may:
• Present up-to-date facts about an occupation that can assist in your decision making.
• Inform you about the skills required for certain jobs so you can match them with your skills.
• Provide valuable networking contacts to utilize when conducting your actual job search.
• Assist in developing communication skills and self-confidence in talking with professional people in a more
relaxed work environment.
• Expose you to occupational “buzzwords” unique to the career field of your choice.
• Give you an edge in future interviews by providing inside knowledge not known by your competition.
• Develop basic skills similar to a targeted job search.
• Rule out jobs that aren’t a good fit for you.
• Looks good on college, scholarship and job applications.

Student Interest Survey
This is a student survey designed to give your ETS Advisor some introductory information about you and
your interests.
Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Date: __________________________
School: ________________________________________________________________________ Grade: _________________________
Home Phone Number: _________________________________ Cell Phone Number: _____________________________
What is your career path _____________________________________________________________________________________________
What careers interest you __________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Have you had any previous job shadowing experiences If so, where ____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have any work experience What jobs have you had Do you currently have a job ____________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At what type of business would you like to shadow and why ____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your goals for your job shadowing experience ________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you enrolled in summer school If yes, list the summer school dates below
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If there are other scheduled commitments that may limit your availability for job shadowing, please call our
office to discuss your situation.
PO Box 1000, Park Hills, MO 63601 (573) 518-2380 Fax: (573) 518-2168

Student Contract
I understand the importance of job shadowing to my education and future. I know that it is a privilege to
participate in the program and that job shadowing mentors are giving up valuable time to help me learn about
their careers and companies. I understand that I am representing both Educational Talent Search and Mineral
Area College while at the job site and will conduct myself appropriately. I am aware that my behavior will
reflect both present and future job shadowing participants and will take this responsibility seriously. I will be
respectful to all staff/ customers that I encounter during my job shadowing experience. By signing this contract,
I agree to complete all requirements of the job shadow program, including:
1. I will return this contract as well as the parental/guardian release by the deadline date.
2. I will attend the Job Shadowing Etiquette Workshop on May 23, 2012.
3. I will arrive on time at the job shadowing work site with my job shadow packet.
_____________________________
Student name (print)
_____________________________
School
_____________________________
Student signature
_____________________________
Date
Parent/Guardian Permission Slip
I give permission for (Student Name) ____________________________ to participate in the job shadowing
experience described above.
I understand it is my responsibility, and agree to:
-Provide/Coordinate transportation to and from the job site.
-Provide proof of health or accident insurance. (Health insurance plan/group numbers or copy of
insurance card)
I hereby release any and all liability from Educational Talent Search/ Mineral Area College and the chosen job
site.
Signature of parent/guardian ____________________________ Date ______________
PO Box 1000, Park Hills, MO 63601 (573) 518-2380 Fax: (573) 518-2168