Shadow Your Future

Helping Students Explore the Workplace

Students

STUDENTS

One of the best ways to understand what various career fields have in store for you is to actually meet professionals in these career fields. Shadow Your Future gets these opportunities for you by connecting you with professionals who are willing to be shadowed for a few hours or meet virtually to address your questions regarding their job.


Steps to Get Opportunities:
1) Fill out the application at https://forms.gle/FCbqVCv7UaN54uFq9.
2) If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an email from [email protected] that includes the name and role of the professional you are matched with and other additional information regarding scheduling and workplace guidelines.

Disclaimer: We strongly recommend you take advantage of virtual meetings before applying for shadowing opportunities to learn more about the field and how to interact one-on-one with professionals.

FAQs:

Why do I need to fill out an application?
The opportunities we provide are designated for students who express genuine interest in exploring different fields. The professionals working with Shadow Your Future are donating their time, therefore every student must be willing to put in the same effort.

How long does it take for my application to be reviewed?
You will receive a response from [email protected] regarding your application approximately four weeks after submitting the form.

What are training sessions?
Training sessions are an available Shadow Your Future service that take place prior to opportunities. They are approximately 20-minute meetings via Zoom with a Shadow Your Future team member in a private or group setting who will aid you in how to interact with professionals during opportunities. Please note that these sessions are mandatory for freshmen.

Who’s eligible to apply?
We offer virtual meetings or shadowing to highschoolers of all classes. However, in-person opportunities are open to anyone who will be a sophomore in the 23-24 school year and upperclassmen who are capable of traveling to the NYC metropolitan area.

What is the difference between in-person shadowing, virtual shadowing and a virtual meeting?
Shadowing allows you to observe a professional as you perform your daily tasks, giving you a better understanding of the work atmosphere and workload. To do this, you follow the professional around the physical workplace (in-person) or watch their screen in a Zoom meeting (virtual). Virtual meetings are short meetings with professionals to address your questions regarding their workplace and career. 

How do I get in contact with professionals?
We handle all forms of communication. You can direct any questions regarding a specific professional or their workplace to [email protected].

How long does shadowing last?
The duration of your shadowing opportunity or virtual meeting is entirely dependent on the availability of both parties (you and the professional).

How am I matched to a professional?
We review the fields and opportunities you express interest in when applying and match you to a professional in that field who is open to that opportunity. Importantly, this means that the more niche your expressed interests are, the longer your wait time for a match will be. We also ensure your availability matches the availability of the professional. 

Can I apply to shadow/meet with several professionals?
Yes, once you are accepted into the program, you can meet any professional that is available. However, we set an upper limit of 2 professionals in one month.

How do I apply?
Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/FCbqVCv7UaN54uFq9.

About

Shadow Your Future was founded to provide high school students with opportunities to learn about the workplace, an essential part of future academic and career decisions. Our program connects students looking to experience the working environment and professionals who want to show the next generation of their industry what their future could look like. 

We recognize that reaching out to professionals to find shadowing opportunities is difficult and often ends in rejection. We strive to mitigate these difficulties by developing a list of professionals who are willing to share their expertise and assist students.