Skip to content
  • Solutions
    Our Services
    Admissions Committee Review
    BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
    Business School Admissions
    College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
    Computer Science & Engineering
    Essay Advising and Review
    Gap Year Admissions
    Middle School College Prep
    Test Prep
    ACT Test Prep
    SAT Test Prep
    Transfer Admissions
  • About Us
    Our Story
    Why Us
    Success Stories
    Contact Us
  • Programs
    AI Scholar Program
    Research Scholar Program
    Startup Internship Program
    Passion Project Program
  • Resources
    Blog
    Webinars
    Empowerly Score®
  • For Organizations
    Partnerships & Affiliates
    Empowerly for Employers

Sign In

Free Consultation
Book a Free Consultation

Login

  • Blog > Applications, Interviews & Networking

Job Shadowing 101: Worth Spending Your Summer On?

Picture of Madeleine Karydes

Madeleine Karydes

  • June 4, 2018

Worth Spending Your Summer On?

It’s the summer before your senior year and you are so close to the finish line! All of the late night studying, long standardized exams, and volunteering hours has led up to this moment. For the first time in your life, you are no longer answering questions about biology or English, but answering questions about yourself. One of the best ways to find interesting answers to those questions is through job shadowing.

Job shadowing, or shadowing, is an opportunity to learn about a career by observing a professional. For example, if you are interested in pursuing medicine, contact your local clinics through email and request to shadow a physician for the day.

In addition to discovering your interests, there are several other benefits to shadowing:

Major Selection

The majority of colleges will ask you to select an intended major for the application. While you can always change your major, shadowing professionals is a great way to get an idea of what major you may be interested in. You can also ask the professional you are shadowing what they had previously majored in during their undergraduate.

Extracurricular Activity

If you shadow a professional for a long period of time, you can even include this as an additional extracurricular activity. This is a great way to show colleges that you are dedicated to exploring your interests. Be sure to keep track of your own hours and roles throughout your shadowing experience.

Mentorship and Networking

Another great benefit of shadowing is that you can expand your professional network. The professional you are shadowing may know of additional career-related opportunities, even after shadowing. If you are able to develop a close relationship with the professional you are shadowing, consider asking them to be your mentor. A good mentor can provide a lot of additional guidance and support throughout your career. 

Tips to Make the Most of It

Throughout shadowing, keep notes on what you are learning and start thinking about how to draw connections between these various parts about your life. Is this career something you can envision yourself pursuing in the future? How do you plan on pursuing this career in college? Drawing these connections early can provide a good framework or theme for your college application.

Shadowing is a great way to not only improve your college application, though. Also reflect on how college can help you reach your future goals. For more help with college applications or career advice, chat with one of our many education experts about your path and how to ensure that you succeed on your way.

Book A Free Consultation
Share this post
College Internships
Picture of Madeleine Karydes

Madeleine Karydes

Related articles

Find the latest college admissions news, tips, resources and more.

How to Get into Harvard — and Get a Degree that Opens Doors

Learn what it takes to get into Harvard, earn a strong degree, and build a future that stands out. Empowerly is here to help you achieve your dreams!

College Admissions: Regular Decision Dates for 2025

Each spring, millions of high school students eagerly await the big news. Let’s review the major college decision dates for the RD pool in 2025.

Top Medical Schools 2025: Rankings & Admissions Insights

Discover the top medical schools of 2025, what sets them apart, and how to boost your chances of getting in with expert insights.

Empowerly is a member of:

Menu

  • Services
  • Success Stories
  • Careers
  • Become a Counselor
  • Refer a Friend
  • Book a Consult

Contact Us

  • enrollment@empowerly.com
  • 800 491 6920
  • empowerly.com

Follow Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
Subscribe to our Newsletter
© 2025 Empowerly Inc | All Rights Reserved
Cookie Preferences
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Solutions
Our Services
Admissions Committee Review
BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
Business School Admissions
College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
Computer Science & Engineering
Essay Advising and Review
Gap Year Admissions
Middle School College Prep
Test Prep
ACT Test Prep
SAT Test Prep
Transfer Admissions
About Us
Our Story
Why Us
Success Stories
Programs
AI Scholar Program
Research Scholar Program
Startup Internship Program
Resources
Blog
Referral
Webinars
Empowerly Score®
For Organizations
Partnerships & Affiliates
Empowerly for Employers
Book a Free Consultation
Login