Groundhog Job Shadow Day takes place annually on February 2. The day enables students across the nation to get an up-close look at the specifics of an actual job and how the skills they learn in school can be put into effective action, in line with the jobs. On this day, students from across the country shadow scientists, firefighters, mechanics, doctors, teachers, and every other type of profession.
History of Groundhog Job Shadow Day
Job shadowing is a learning and career development program that involves working with another employee who might have a different job in hand, have something to teach or be able to help the person shadowing him or her to learn new aspects related to the job, organization, certain behaviors, or competencies.
Groundhog Job Shadow Day is a joint effort of America’s Promise — Alliance for Youth, Junior Achievement, Society for Human Resource Management and the U.S. Department of Labor in which students of participating schools are paired with a mentor from participating organizations, whom others will follow throughout the day, to experience how the skills learned in the classroom can be applied in the real world.
For students, the benefits provided include providing a platform to interact with a variety of professionals with different levels of responsibility, identifying career paths within a department or company, and making connections between school curriculum and the skills, values, and knowledge needed for a career of interest. For employers, it showcases their place of work by increasing visibility within their community, strengthens and promotes their involvement in education, helps prepare the future workforce by informing students about careers in their industry or line of work, and helps to be a positive adult role model.
The Day builds community partnerships between schools and businesses and fosters positive relationships between young people and adults.
Groundhog Job Shadow Day timeline
Boston Private Industry Council, a non-profit aimed at connecting youth and adults with education and employment opportunities, sponsors the first groundhog job shadowing day in Boston.
General Powell, during the Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future in April, makes a statement challenging communities to take an active role in education.
A survey reports that many students with passing grades drop out of school because they are bored and unable to comprehend the connection between classroom success and getting a good job.
Participants in Groundhog Job Shadow Day reach over one million students and 100,000 businesses.
Groundhog Job Shadow Day FAQs
How do you effectively shadow a job?
Some practical steps you can take to optimize your job shadowing experience include making adequate preparation ahead of time, asking to help with any tasks in the workplace, and taking notes.
Where can I job-shadow?
Usually, you can find a formal job shadowing program through your high school guidance counselor or your college’s career services office. Also, you can get access to the list of alumni who are willing to offer students platforms to job shadow.
Should I put shadowing on my resumé?
Yes, you should put job shadowing experience on a resumé so far as it’s relevant to the industry you want to work in, and you have very minimal or no full-time work experience yet. Shadowing can just be as relevant as an internship or previous work experience.
Groundhog Job Shadow Day Activities
Make yourself available for shadowing
Invite students to come experience a day in your life, shadowing you in your work environment. They will definitely learn much and be grateful for it. You also could benefit much from the experience.
Arrange for students to tour your facility
Give students a chance to see how work goes on at your office, factory, or wherever work is. This will provide much exposure for them.
Host a Question and Answer session
Another great way to observe this day is by having a Q&A session to discuss local career opportunities for students. It will provide much insight and clarity for all attendees.
5 Facts About Job Shadowing Day That Will Intrigue You
It started locally
It was first held on a local level before becoming a national observance.
It initially had relatively low participation
The first one had, in participation, just about 300 students from four high schools in Boston.
It varies in the required time
Shadowing for a new role might last for a couple of days to a couple of months to get a better idea of their role.
A great tool for leadership development
Aspiring leaders are given opportunities to shadow senior leaders and learn from them, getting first-hand experience of what it takes to be a leader.
It facilitates career development
An employee may shadow senior employees in various positions or functions to appreciate and get a better idea of what it takes to build a career there.
Why We Love Groundhog Job Shadow Day
It motivates students to learn
This day shows students that the lessons they learn in the classrooms have tangible real-world applications. This in turn gears the students to pay more attention to their studies to secure jobs after school.
It helps prepare the future workforce
Through the knowledge and insight gained, students are better trained and prepared for future jobs. This day enables all that and more to happen.
It offers a chance to improve skills
For some who are already knowledgeable in certain careers, this day helps add to what they already know. This will ultimately equip them to perform better in their chosen careers.
Groundhog Job Shadow Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 2 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 2 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 2 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | February 2 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | February 2 | Friday |
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