Life and Career Students Job Shadow
September 21, 2019
Life and Career Readiness Students, Destiny Rickard, Sophie MacGregor, and Crystal Hintz participated in a Job Shadow Experience last week to learn more about careers they are interested in. The purpose of this experience is to enhance the research they have been doing on their classroom Career Investigation Project. Students have learned about their values, set SMART goals, discovered their interests and abilities, and how everything relates to selecting their future career.
By job shadowing students were able to gain first-hand knowledge and real-life experience to see if their career interest met their expectations. Destiny Rickard and Sophie MacGregor shadowed at CHI Health Plainview Hospital. Destiny began by talking with Greg Beckmann, hospital administrator, about radiology, lab techs, and different nursing positions and colleges she could attend. She then teamed up with Kaylyn who gave her a tour of the hospital which included the outpatient clinic and pharmacy area. They were able to look into the operating room and supply closets which held blankets and machines. Next, they were on to the emergency room where she was able to view the equipment used. As Destiny is also interested in a career as a social worker, she was introduced to LPN Dodi Steinkraus, who explained her duties. Then she moved on to visit with one of the respiratory nurses before her time ended. “Time went very fast on the shadow. There was so much to see, and it was interesting to see all the equipment. Seeing the operating room was cool.”, Destiny stated.
Sophie MacGregor had a tour similar to Destiny’s and since she’s also interested in Lab Tech as a career saw the Lab Tech room. She spent the rest of her time with Vanessa who showed her the equipment in the radiology room and past scans (without names) and how to interpret them. “I really like looking at the scans and seeing what the different machines could pick up from the patients. This was the best part.” explained Sophie.
Crystal Hintz shadowed Crystal Hoffmann in the Preschool classroom. She was able to observe Crystal as she worked with the children in the classroom, guidance, at recess, and other times throughout the afternoon. She found that paras have lots of responsibilities as they assist the classroom teacher, guide children’s behavior, and need to be paying attention all the time. “Paras really need to have lots of patience, smile, and really like all children. My favorite part was being able to work with the children during center time at the end of the day.” stated Crystal.
Additional Job Shadows are currently being arranged to further their knowledge and cover additional interests of theirs. As students continue to put together their Career Investigation Project, they will be working with the Education Quest website to learn about financial aid and scholarships available and nebraskacareerconnections.org to them as they research colleges and begin to make an education plan. Then, students will create their resumes and write cover letters. The project will conclude with students participating in job interviews.
