Intern or try job shadowing.

Interning or job shadowing before committing to a career can reveal what the work is really like.

Internships

An internship allows you to apply skills learned in the classroom to perform tasks at a company in your desired field. Interning builds contacts and can lead to employment after graduation.

Internships are paid or unpaid, full- or part-time and can last any duration. Your financial circumstances will determine if the work experience and networking opportunities are worth the trade-off for unpaid internships. When possible, pursue a paid internship or job as these make it easier to balance work and school. If you do take an internship, make sure it supports your educational endeavors.

Work with your college advisor or professors in your field to find an internship. Consult websites for professional organizations or local community resources. You will do some “grunt work” in an internship, but you can build on your successes and continue asking for increased responsibilities.

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing is when you follow a person in your field on a typical day (or any period). Through observation, you can gain valuable insights into the real work that goes on, helping you determine if you want to do this job.

Like interning, shadowing is an opportunity to network with people in your career. Shadowing is not paid, and your participation in work-related tasks or meetings is limited. A career advisor may be able to help you find shadowing opportunities.

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