The Hunt Teacher GuideThe Shadow Hunt Teacher Guide • Lesson 1 Career Catalyst Lesson Objective Students will identify three potential career paths and draft professional outreach communications to secure a 4-8 hour job shadowing experience. Materials Shadow Scout Slides Outreach Toolkit & Lead Tracker Worksheet Student laptops/internet access Procedures 05m Opening: The "Why" Discuss watching vs. doing. Define shadowing as experiential research. 15m Direct Instruction: Search Strategy Use slides: LinkedIn, personal networks, local business, alumni. 20m Guided Practice: Communication Review Toolkit. Role-play phone requests. Discuss "No" handling. 20m Independent: Lead Tracking Research local firms. Fill Lead Tracker with 5 potential contacts. Teaching Tips Small firms are often more accessible than global giants. Never share home addresses in initial outreach emails. Do "Pitch Practice": explain career interest in 30 seconds. Essential Vocabulary Informational Interview Conversation with a pro to learn about their path and duties. Cold Outreach Contacting someone unknown to ask for a favor/opportunity. Lead A potential contact or org that might host a shadow student. Networking Building professional relationships for info and support.
Shadow Scout SlidesShadow Scout The Hunt for Your Future Career Real-World Intel Job shadowing is a short-term experience (usually 4–8 hours) where you observe a professional on the job. See the actual daily tasks Experience the workplace vibe Not an Internship You aren't there to work or get paid. You're there to investigate if this path fits you. The Search Strategy Warm Leads Family friends, neighbors, teachers, and school alumni. People who already know you. Local Impact Small businesses in your town. They are often more accessible and willing to mentor youth. The Digital Net LinkedIn research, Professional associations, and Chamber of Commerce directories. ACTION The Contact Protocol 01 Identify the "Gatekeeper" Find a specific name or the HR department. "To Whom It May Concern" is a dead end. 02 The "Why You" Pitch Explain why their specific career or company interests you. Be genuine and specific. 03 The Follow Up Wait 5 business days. If no response, send a polite follow-up. Persistence works.
Outreach Toolkit Info DocOutreach Toolkit Your guide to professional communication and securing your shadow host. Template A: The "Warm" Contact Network Outreach Subject: Career Exploration — Student Shadowing Request Dear [Name], My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Grade] at [School]. [Mutual Connection] recommended I reach out to you because of your expertise in [Industry]. I am very interested in [Field] and am seeking a job shadow experience to better understand the role. Would you be open to hosting me for 4–8 hours during [Date Range]? Best regards, [Your Name] • [Phone Number] Template B: The "Cold" Contact Direct Outreach Subject: Inquiry: Job Shadowing Opportunity — [School] Student Dear [Name], My name is [Your Name], and I am a student at [School]. I have been following [Company]’s work in [Area] and am impressed by your approach to [Industry]. I am writing to ask if your team might be open to hosting me for a brief, one-day job shadow experience. Thank you for supporting student development. Sincerely, [Your Name] The Phone Script YOU "Hello, I'm [Your Name] from [School]. I'm calling to speak with [Department] regarding a one-day job shadow opportunity for a school project." YOU "I'm interested in [Task] and would strictly observe. I can provide school safety and insurance paperwork." Timing Send emails Tue/Wed mornings. Avoid Mondays and Fri afternoons. Specifics Asking for "Wednesday the 14th" is easier for them than "sometime".
Lead Tracker WorksheetLead Tracker Mission: Secure 1 Shadow Host Name: Date: 1. Define Your Target List 3 career fields or specific job titles you are curious to explore. Company / OrgContact & TitleEmail / PhoneCurrent Status Final Confirmation Host: Date: Time: Email: Full Address:
Shadow Protocol Teacher GuideShadow Protocol Teacher Guide • Lesson 2 Career Catalyst Lesson Objective Students will master professional workplace norms, identify appropriate attire, and develop a set of high-quality interview questions to ask their hosts. Materials Needed Shadow Etiquette Slides Professionalism Playbook (Informational Doc) Question Bank & Prep Sheet Procedures 10m Opening: First Impressions Ask students: "What makes someone look professional?" Discuss how expectations vary by industry (e.g., tech vs. law). 20m Direct Instruction: Etiquette Present slides focusing on "Soft Skills" — eye contact, handshakes, phone silence, and active listening. 15m Group Activity: Wardrobe Check Using the Professionalism Playbook, have students categorize different clothing items as "Business Casual" or "Professional." Common Pitfalls The Bystander Effect Students might stand in a corner. Teach "Active Observation"—taking notes on every interaction. Phone Use Stress that the phone should not be seen at all, even during quiet moments.
Shadow Etiquette SlidesThe Protocol Mastering Workplace Professionalism Observe Inquire Excel Dress for the Role First Impressions = Lasting Impressions Business Casual • Polos or button-down shirts • Chinos, khakis, or dress slacks • Blouses and sweaters • Clean dress shoes or flats Pro-Tip It is always better to be overdressed. If the host wears jeans, you should still wear khakis. The "No-Go" Zone ❌ Ripped Jeans ❌ Hoodies ❌ Flip Flops ❌ Graphic Tees ❌ Athletic Gear ❌ Hats/Beanies Soft Skills, Big Impact Punctuality Arrive 10 minutes early. "On time" is late. Phone Zero Silent and out of sight. No scrolling. Engagement Bring a notepad. Write down what you see. The Intro Firm handshake, eye contact, and "Hello." The Fly on the Wall Don't just watch. Analyze. Watch For: Communication styles between teams Problem-solving methods used Software and technical tools Listen For: Industry-specific vocabulary Common workplace challenges Educational requirements mentioned
Professionalism Playbook Info DocProfessionalism Playbook Field Guide The Launch How you start determines how they treat you. Act like a pro to be treated as a colleague. 1 Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled start time. 2 Intro: Offer a firm handshake and say: "Good morning, I'm [Name]." 3 Setup: Ask where you should sit/stand to observe without being in the way. The Golden Rules Phone Zero Unless you have permission for a photo, your phone stays out of sight on silent. Lunch Norms Bring a lunch unless told otherwise. If they buy, choose a mid-priced item. Privacy What you see and hear in the office stays in the office. Respect sensitive info. Engagement Lean forward, take notes, and nod to show you are following the conversation. Know Your Environment Tech / Creative Casual clothes often okay. Fast-paced vibe. Be ready to move between rooms often. Legal / Corp Business Professional (Blazer). Quiet atmosphere. Speak only when prompted. Medical / Lab Closed-toe shoes required. Hair tied back. Follow safety protocols immediately.
Question Bank Prep WorksheetQuestion Prep Don't just watch—interview with purpose. Student: Host: Strategy Avoid "Yes/No" questions. Ask about feelings and stories. "Do you like your job?" "What's the most rewarding part of your week?" Timing • During lunch breaks or travel time. • Between meetings or during quiet transitions. • Save 2 "career path" questions for the end. Your Question Bank 01 02 03 04 05 06 Carry This With You Carry this in your notebook. It shows the host you are professional and prepared. Use the back for notes!
Shadow Reflection Teacher GuideShadow Reflection Teacher Guide • Lesson 3 Career Catalyst Lesson Objective Students will process their job shadowing experience through structured reflection, draft professional thank-you notes, and determine if the career path aligns with their personal goals. Materials Needed Reflection Roadmap Slides Shadow Debrief Worksheet Gratitude Guide (Thank You Templates) Stationery or computers for emails Procedures 10m Opening: Quick Share Have students turn to a partner and share the "most surprising thing" they saw during their shadow day. 15m Direct Instruction: The Reflection Cycle Present slides focusing on "Internal vs. External" reflection. Discuss how to know if a career is a "fit." 20m Independent Work: Shadow Debrief Students complete the Debrief Worksheet, which asks them to rate various aspects of the job they observed. 15m Culminating Task: Gratitude Guide Students draft and send their thank-you notes (handwritten is preferred for maximum impact, but email is acceptable). Assessment Idea Have students create a "1-Minute Career Pitch" for the class summarizing the role, the required education, and their personal verdict (Keep it, Pivot, or Drop it). Completion Check Ensure every student shows proof of their sent thank-you note before ending the sequence.
Reflection Roadmap SlidesRoadmap Reflecting on Your Journey The Big Audit Was this a Real Life match for your expectations? The Pros What tasks felt natural? What sparked curiosity? What made the day move quickly? The Cons What felt draining? What surprised you negatively? Is the education path worth it? The Surprise Audit Most jobs look different "on the clock" than they do in movies or on social media. The "Boring" stuff? Every job has repetitive tasks. Did those tasks drive you crazy or seem manageable? The "Exciting" stuff? Was there a high-stakes moment or project that grabbed your attention? The Reality Check "If you can't tolerate the worst parts of a job, you shouldn't pursue the best parts." Skills Inventory Hard Skills Software & Technical Tools Physical Equipment Mastery Specific Procedures Soft Skills Team Collaboration & Tone Crisis Management Styles Client Communication Natural Strengths vs. Learned Skills The Office Vibe Soundscape Pin-drop quiet or loud and buzzing? Which one helped you focus? Physical Space Open desks vs private offices. Where did you feel comfortable? Collaboration Solo screen work or constant meetings? What fits you? Energy Meter Reflect on your internal tank at the end of the day. Energized "I'm tired but excited. I want to tell everyone about what I did. I could go back tomorrow." Drained "I need to be alone in a dark room. That was exhausting. I don't think I can do that every day." The Barrier to Entry What is the actual path to getting the job you saw? Degree requirements (Bachelors vs. Masters) State Licenses or Board Certifications Trade school or apprenticeships Payoff vs. Path Compare the education cost to the starting salary. Is the investment worth the expected outcome? Closing the Loop A "Thank You" is more than manners—it is a career strategy. 1 Mention a specific piece of advice they gave. 2
Shadow Debrief WorksheetShadow Debrief Post-Experience Analysis Student: ___________________________ Role: ______________________________ The Role Scorecard Work Environment Vibe, pace, physical space 1 2 3 4 5 Daily Tasks The actual work performed 1 2 3 4 5 Social Level Amount of interaction 1 2 3 4 5 1. The "Aha!" Moment What was one thing you learned or saw that you didn't expect? 2. Skills Audit What skills did they use that you already have? What would you need to learn? 3. The Verdict Could you see yourself doing this job for 40 hours a week? Why or why not? 4. Tactical Next One new question I have: One resource to check next: NEXT Task: Use your "Aha!" Moment (Question 1) in your thank-you note to show you were paying attention!
Gratitude Guide Info DocGratitude Guide Why Bother? In the professional world, a thank-you note is a "warm lead." It keeps the door open for future internships or letters of recommendation. Professionals are busy—thanking them shows respect. Handwritten Note Template Dear [Host Name], Thank you so much for hosting me for a job shadow experience on [Date]. I truly enjoyed learning more about [Industry/Role]. I especially appreciated [mention a specific piece of advice or task]. It was fascinating to see how [something you observed] works in person. This experience has [confirmed my interest / given me new perspective] regarding my career plans. Thank you for your mentorship. Sincerely, [Your Name] Professional Email Template Subject: Thank You — Job Shadow Follow Up / [Your Name] Dear [Host Name], It was a pleasure meeting you at [Company Name]. Thank you for allowing me to shadow you and see the operations of a [Job Title]. Our conversation about [Topic] was particularly helpful. I really appreciated the insight you shared regarding [Specific Advice]. I’ve attached a copy of my resume and would love to stay in touch. If there are ever any internship opportunities, I would be eager to apply. Best regards, [Your Name] Elite Follow-Up The 24h Rule Aim for 24 hours. After a week, the impact is lost. Be Specific Mention one thing you saw that you can't learn in a classroom. Bonus Move Connect on LinkedIn! Add a note: "I'm the student who shadowed you Tuesday. I'd love to stay connected!" Career Catalyst Sequence • Shadow Follow-Up
Shadow Debrief Answer KeyDebrief Guide Exemplars & Benchmarks Answer Key Teacher Note: Responses are personal. Use this guide to distinguish between critical analysis and surface-level observation. High-quality reflections use specific technical vocabulary and personal connections. Reflection Benchmarks SectionHigh-Quality ExemplarLow-Quality Response1. Aha! Moment"I didn't expect that an Architect spends 70% of their day answering emails and coordinating with engineers rather than drawing floor plans.""I learned that they work in an office and use computers all day."2. Skills Audit"I saw them using 'Active Listening' to de-escalate a client. I have that skill from my retail job. I need to learn the Revit software suite.""They use computer skills and talking skills. I have some of those from school."3. The Verdict"Yes, because I enjoy the fast-paced environment and technical solving, even if the paperwork is repetitive and tedious.""Yes, it was a fun day and the people were very nice to me."4. Tactical Next"Q: How do you handle work-life balance during busy seasons? R: Look up local internship education requirements.""Q: None. R: Ask my counselor what to do next." Evaluation Rubric Exemplary (4) Student provides specific, named examples. Connects tasks to personal strengths and technical growth areas. Proficient (3) Answers are accurate and complete but lack specific technical vocabulary or deep personal connection. Developing (1-2) Answers are short or generic. Shows little evidence of 'Active Observation' or deep investigation during the day.
