Job Shadowing
GGL alumni are warmly invited to participate in “Pathways into Life Sciences Professions”(PALS) and to offer job shadowing in your professional environment.
Who would not like to have a look into different jobs while being doctoral candidate? Make it easier for doctoral candidates to choose a career and thus also for your company to select later suitable applicants by giving doctoral candidates the opportunity to get to know your company and your workplace at an early stage, if only for one day.
If you are interested in being involved as supervisor of a Job Shadowing in Pathways into Life Science Professions, please contact pals.
What does Job Shadowing mean?
The term "shadowing" means shading in the general sense. Job Shadowing is about looking over the shoulder and give the doctoral candidates an insight into what the professional practice should look like after graduation. Job shadowing takes a day. In contrast to an internship, the observer does not work himself, but observe others in their work.
How do you prepare your day for a Job Shadowing visitor?
- Obtain approval from the boss in your company to host a Job Shadowing visitor
- Select a day where a Job Shadowing can take place. Optimal would be the opportunity to accompany very different activities.
- Introduce yourself to each other, talk about your career and your work experience. Ask the Job Shadowing visitor about his/her motivation and career ambitions.
- Take a quick tour of the company and your department and explain your role at the company.
- Provide annual reports, newsletters, and comparable materials that can be read in case you are on a call or are otherwise busy for some time. If possible, set a task.
- Arrange a meeting or lunch with colleagues that can be interviewed by the Job shadowing visitor. It would be good, of course, if the colleagues work in different areas.
- If you have a meeting, it would be great if the Job shadowing visitor could attend.
- At the end of the day, take time for a summary and, if necessary, answer open questions from the doctoral candidates.
- It will not be a normal working day for you. Realistically, you can schedule half an effective working day and half a day for communication with your Job shadowing visitor.