What better way to learn about a possible career than to shadow someone doing that job.  That is the rationale behind Trinity’s annual Job Shadow Day for the entire Junior Class.

The Class of 2017 spent Oct. 21 following, interviewing and observing individuals in a wide variety of careers.  Students are required to write a research paper about their shadowing experience.

According to Trinity junior Greg Lamb, who shadowed at Iron Mountain, the experience was “good” and provided him the chance to “get to know people” in the business of data management.  Lamb said that even if the experience wasn’t something he would do again, the shadow day is valuable for students.

Senior Cody Gramig said he enjoyed his experience last year, shadowing an infantry soldier in the United States Army.

Gramig appreciated the opportunity to learn more about a possible career. ” I was really happy for our school to give us that opportunity to shadow and fully looked into it.”   

He said the day helped him prepare for his future job as an enlisted soldier in the army.   “I do think (job shadowing) is an effective tool for school. It helps schools to get students in the process of life after school.”

Cody’s favorite part of shadowing was seeing where the armory weapons were stored. He said, “They had a laser.”

He referred to a laser targeting system that goes on top of rifles.

From an academic standpoint, veteran English teacher Mr. Greg Sysol said the job shadow day is “one of the best things that we do for students. It allows our students to get to know a potential career.”

Sysol explained why the English Department coordinates the day: “It runs through the English program because (the experience) can be put into a research paper, which is part of the junior curriculum. The program helps them do a research paper and have it gear around what they want to do.”

How successful has the shadowing been? Sysol said, “Nothing is perfect. Shadow hosts back out, students have to find a shadow host, the follow-up is hard for some students, and there are some students who don’t turn anything in.”

Despite some obstacles, Sysol said the program is important. He said, “Yes, it is a necessary part because it helps students learn skills. The kids need to have it.”

From a host’s perspective, Dr. Sara Cummins, a dentist, worked with the shadow program for the first time this year and was pleased with the experience. “(It gives students) firsthand experience in the potential career of their choice,” she said. (“They see) the day-to-day operations, challenges, and success of the job. It can help them to define their career choice for better decisions regarding colleges, networking and job experience.”