Shadowing Day

On January 24th, 2007, 1,552 ninth grade students from Philadelphia schools got to step outside the classroom to observe professionals in action during WorkReady Philadelphia’s annual Shadowing Day. Throughout the city, 166 businesses and organizations welcomed these students into their workplaces for a one-day career exploration experience.

By shadowing professionals on the job, students saw workplace life first hand, illuminating the elements of career success. Students gained a new perspective on career opportunities by seeing the multiplicity of positions and specialties open to them. This new perspective isn’t just about occupational success: participation in mentoring programs like Shadowing Day has been shown to increase academic motivation, helping students to grasp the connection between what they learn in the classroom and what they need for “real world” achievement.
 

The Philadelphia Youth Network hosted 15 students for Shadowing Day 2007. Students from Philadelphia School of Business and Technology began their day with presentations from several staff members about the range of services and career opportunities provided by a workplace like PYN's.

We want to thank everyone who helped make this year’s Shadowing Day initiative a success. We look forward to working with you as we launch our city’s young people toward college, careers, and beyond. The feedback of mentors is essential to ensure that the program continues to improve and better serve all who participate. Here is what some participating employers had to say:

“Thank you so much for allowing us to take part in Shadowing Day. I know I speak on behalf of all of my staff and tenants when I say it was clearly one of the very best days we have ever spent at work!” Crystal Barnett, Connection Training Services

“It was a wonderful day for everyone! We were very impressed with the professionalism of the ninth grade students that visited with Endo on Wednesday. We look forward to this event each year.” Elizabeth Bush, Endo Pharmaceuticals

“Everything was great! We really enjoyed having all students. I hope we can maintain this relationship and continue to participate in this program.” Regina Ingram, Residence Inn Willow Grove