Madison Turner, a JAG-K student at McPherson High School, recently took job shadowing to new heights.
Interested in becoming a pilot, Turner was allowed to shadow a pilot, who not only took her up for a ride, but allowed her to take the stick.
Several JAG-K programs in central Kansas held their first ever "Job Shadow Week," facilitating student visits to a number of workplaces during the last week of October.
The event gave students an opportunity to see in person what some jobs are like. Prior to the visit, the students researched the business and specific job they would shadow.
Numerous businesses in the region provided opportunities to shadow – businesses such as veterinary clinics, dental and physical therapy offices, computer technicians, car dealers and mechanics, hair salons, a law office and a hospital.
"It's important for students to get out into the workplace to see what these jobs are like," said Regional Director Elizabeth Hamblin, who spearheaded Job Shadow Week. "Sometimes you have an idea from what you've heard or seen in a movie or whatever. But giving students the opportunity to meet someone doing the job, and allowing them to see inside the environment, gives a whole new insight.
"We are so thankful for all the businesses who invited students in, or those who had to do it virtually. They were so welcoming and so excited to talk to our kids. They really wanted to guide our students and wanted the best for them."
