From Job Shadow to Japan
“My job shadow experience got me out of my comfort zone.”
Logan (BA ’16 Women’s and Gender Studies & Sociology) is currently living and working in Japan. She is delighted with the direction her career has taken her so far, but like many students, she struggled to decide what to do after university.
The Job Shadow Week program, run by the University of Alberta Career Centre, helped her gain clarity and confidence in her decisions as an alumni.
How did Logan use her Job Shadow experience to choose a career that fit her goals? How can you do the same? Keep reading!
I am an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan through the JET Programme. I love teaching more than I ever expected to and I’m incredibly satisfied with my decision to move to Japan. It’s my second year of teaching here and I know I’ll be staying much longer.
Since graduation, I feel less stressed about my future direction. Of course, I still have small worries but overall I feel significantly more secure with the direction I’m heading.
This wasn’t always the case.
As a student, I was very anxious about life after school. I had a vague understanding that I wanted to live in Japan someday, but had no real direction I wanted to go — I started to panic.
I got as much “experience” as possible in the last few years of my degree. I was a part of two student clubs, both with high commitment levels, and I had three part time jobs.
But I still felt lost.
Through a suggestion from my mom (who was a Job Shadow mentor herself) and a lengthy conversation with Amy Roy Gratton from the U of A Career Centre, I found myself shadowing Nikki Van Dusen, the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Art Gallery of Alberta and a former Assistant Language Teacher in Japan’s JET Programme.
During my day at the Art Gallery of Alberta, I had plenty of opportunities to ask questions, to experience professional meetings — and I got a pretty amazing behind-the-scenes tour of the gallery!
My job shadow experience got me out of my comfort zone.
Even just being in a professional setting was eye opening. Plus, I had an inside view into a day in her working life.
I saw how she actively manages her team, navigates the different departments of the gallery, and integrates technology into her work. I learned how her commitment to being a global citizen influenced her professional goals.
I peppered her with questions about her experience living in Japan, her perspective on professional management, and her career trajectory. We talked about how marketing and communications became the right field for her.
Nikki has had a huge impact on how I now perceive the workforce. I use all that I learned from her in my job today.
She taught me the benefits of “zero inbox” strategy, how living in another country can impact your sense of self, and how to respectfully make requests of coworkers.
Basically, she taught me what it means to be ambitious and be a boss.
My time living in Japan has challenged me in ways I didn’t think were possible. But with the wisdom of mentors like Nikki, I have been able to confidently meet all the trials I have faced and thrive. I cannot explain how grateful I am that I participated in Job Shadow Week.
My advice for art students preparing for the Job Shadow program:
- Approach the job shadowing experience as an opportunity to learn. It’s important to impress but ultimately you are there to learn.
- Do your homework — research the company, the individual, and the field you’ll be shadowing. Prepare some questions, this helps both you and your mentor tailor your experience so that you can the most out of your day. They’re also really great for moments when there’s any down time.
- Remember that you are being invited into your host’s normal work day. It’s important to keep that in mind and to be respectful.
How could job shadowing influence your career?
The Job Shadow Week program is offered over Reading Week in Fall and Winter Term. Whether you’re in first or fifth year, or even an alumni, Job Shadow Week is for you! For more information, see the Career Centre website.
To discover how you could live and teach in Japan, explore the JET Programme.
Can’t wait until you graduate to go abroad? Read about Megan’s experience in the e3 program!
Written by Logan. Edited for length and clarity by Shannon Coyne, June 2019.
