JA Job Shadow

JA Job Shadow is a career exploration program from Junior Achievement USA for high school students in grades 9 through 12. It is part of the JA Work and Career Readiness Pathway and helps students plan an individual career path using a design-thinking approach. Students begin with a career interest assessment that produces a broad list of possible careers. They then hold informational interviews with professionals to narrow that list down to their top options. The program includes a visit to a real workplace and a job shadow lasting several hours in a career field the student wants to explore. Afterward, students reflect on the experience and either move toward that career or go back to their list to try another option. JA Job Shadow is made up of six 45-minute sessions plus two chances for site visits. Teachers and volunteers lead it, and it can run in a classroom, after school, or as a remote live program, with flexible scheduling based on local needs. Along the way, students research potential employers, write an elevator pitch and a professional thank-you note, and build networking, interviewing, and online profile skills.

Recommended for high school students in grades 9-12. No individual application or deadline is listed on the official page.