Job Shadowing: New Perspectives, New Ideas, New Interest
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Transcript of Job Shadowing: New Perspectives, New Ideas, New Interest
Job Shadowing
New Perspectives, New Ideas, New Interest
Susannah Howe, Smith College
Mary Moriarty, Smith College/NSF
8 November 2012
Context
• Engineering at Smith• Liberal arts college
• B.S. Engineering Science
• 25-35 majors/year
• Motivation/Objectives• Provide students window
into engineering workplace
• Increase awareness about opportunities for women in engineering
Logistics
• Recruited potential workplace hosts and engineering students
• Matched 14 selected students (across class years) with hosts based on location & interests
• Ensured students coordinated and completed one-day shadow visit with assigned host
• Implemented shadow assignments/assessments
• Provided student shadows a small stipend
Timeline
Pre-Visit Report and
Survey
Shadow Visits
Host Survey
MayJanDecNovOctSepAug Mar AprFeb
Focus Group
Panel Presentations
Post-Visit Report
Post-Visit Survey
Shadow Recruitment
Host/Shadow Matching
Host Recruitment
Shadow Hosts and Locations
Shadow Locations
Knowledge + Confidence
3
8
1
2
1
1
3
9
Pre-Visit Post-Visit
1
7
6
1
3
4
6
Pre-Visit Post-VisitNone
Slight
Some
Moderate
Substantial
How much knowledge do you have about a day in the life of an engineer?
(# in circle = # of responses)
How much confidence do you have in your own potential for success in engineering?
(# in circle = # of responses)
Shadow Goals (Pre-Visit)
n=38
Shadow Goal Achievement
n=32
Shadow Takeaways
n=42
Shadow Observations
• Tasks/Responsibilities
• Communication/Collaboration
• Work Schedule/Balance
• Work Environment
• Gender Issues
• Self-Confidence
• Future Engineering Plans
Shadow Observations:• The gender balance in
engineering workplaces is generally more male than female• Women engineers are
sometimes faced with sexism, but it is not a big issue in engineering workplaces
“It really helped me to see that it is possible to succeed as a woman in engineering regardless of the path.”
Benefits
For Shadows:•Experience a day in the life of an engineer
•See how the technical skills and knowledge from class are applied by engineers
•Network with practicing engineers
For Hosts:•Connect with and support a future woman engineer
•Share experiences and knowledge about engineering work with your shadow
What Shadows and Hosts Say
“[Hosting] was incredibly rewarding.”
“I think it is invaluable. I think that a combination of classroom and ‘real world’ experience is very important to prepare for an engineering career.”
“Beforehand, I imagined the engineering workplace to be one way, and now I realize there are so many different options. I am looking forward to finding the option that works for and excites me.”
“The shadow experience made me more interested and excited about engineering because I was able to see things that I had learned in class applied to real life problems in the workplace.”
Contact Us!
For more information, for shadow program materials, or to become a potential host or sponsor:
Prof. Susannah Howe
413.585.3626