suggestions for a job shadowing position?

Question

I'm going to be spending a few days job shadowing an engineer/complaince officer... this is my very first time as anything out in the field of civil engineering. Any suggestions on how to effectively handle a job shadowing position?

Answer 1

i have done some job shadowing in the past.

first thing is to make sure you remember the name of the person you are shadowing--- you dont want to call them "hey you" all day.

next bring a pad of paper and pencil. something small enough to carry in a larger pocket if you are a guy and in a purse if you are a girl. also make sure that the paper pad has a hard (like cardboard) backing b/c you arent likely to be able to sit at a table all day.
you might use this pad to write down notes or questions that you want to ask later.

be very polite. WATCH YOUR MOUTH! vulgar language has no place in this situation. dress according and do NOT be afraid to ask questions.

Answer 2

Keep your eyes and ears open. Don't be a distraction but at the same time put yourself in a position where you can directly observe. When you get to the office meet the engineer you will be shadowing and tell him you want to get as much out of this ineraction as possible. Ask the engineer to set the ground rules for how you are to interact. That takes all the pressure off of you because you have communicated your interest and the engineer has communicated to you his expectations as to how you may interact.

Answer 3

I suggest carrying a notepad and/or tape recorder and take lots of notes. The experience will likely provide a lot of information and it may be hard to recall all of it once you leave.

Also, don't be afraid to ask questions! If you've been invited to shadow, the person(s) are probably eager to share as much information as possible. Just listen (more than you speak), but also be polite, open-minded and enjoy it!

Good luck!