Westford Academy juniors are about to take a big step toward their future careers through the Junior Job Shadow program on Tuesday, May 20. This annual program allows students to spend time at a workplace to learn firsthand about a specific job and industry, which helps them figure out their interests for life after high school.
Students must submit their Junior Job Shadow Agreement Form by April 4, at 2 p.m. to participate. For more information or to schedule a job shadow opportunity, students or mentors can contact Junior Job Shadow Coordinator Samantha DeMagistris at sdemagistris@westfordk12.us.
The main goal of the program is to help students understand different career paths and get a sense of occupations that they might enjoy pursuing in the future. Students must choose an occupation that interests them and then get paired up with an employee that works in that particular job. They can then follow and observe their chosen profession, or “shadow” them.
“The purpose of job shadowing is to help students explore a range of career options,” DeMagistris said. “For this to be a meaningful experience, a student should shadow someone who works in a career that’s of potential interest to them.”
Preparing for the Junior Job Shadow means taking a few important steps to get the most out of the experience. Once students secure a job shadow site, they need to confirm certain details with their mentor. The details could include what time to arrive, what to wear, and lunch plans. It’s also a good idea for juniors to do some research about the company so they can come prepared with questions. DeMagistris additionally suggests that students work on their resumes or activities list because mentors will likely want to see it. On the day of the shadow, students should bring their Job Shadow Expectations Worksheet and Interview Worksheet to guide their learning.
Some students might feel uncertain about finding the right job shadow opportunity, but DeMagistris has provided ample resources to help and guide them through the process.
“As the Job Shadow Coordinator, I deliver an overview presentation to juniors in March and hold drop-in hours throughout March and April to assist students in finding job shadow sites,” DeMagistris said. “While it’s expected for students to take responsibility for securing their own site, I do have job shadow opportunities with several partner companies which I post on the Class of 2026 Counseling Google Classroom page.”
While it is best for students to shadow a job they are interested in, the main goal of the opportunity is to get a clear picture of what a typical workday is like. According to DeMagistris, it is also important for students to keep an open mind, as careers do not always follow a straight path and the job they shadow might not end up being the only one they pursue.
“Career paths rarely go in a straight line—most professionals have multiple changes throughout their careers, which is completely normal and a great lesson for students to learn,” DeMagistris said.
Students who are unable to secure a job shadow placement will not miss out completely. These students will participate in career-related activities on May 20 to help them stay on track with their career exploration.
The Junior Job Shadow program is a unique opportunity for Westford Academy students to connect with professionals. With support from DeMagistris and their mentors, students will have the chance to explore different career options, making the transition from high school to the next step in their lives a little easier.
“[Junior Job Shadow] is not just about learning—it’s also an opportunity to make connections that could lead to future internships or even a career,” DeMagistris said. “A successful job shadow could even open doors for a future summer internship or a Senior Capstone opportunity.”
