Job shadowing, offered to juniors of WHBHS by Business teacher Mrs. Demchak, is a program that is administered throughout our nation. The designated date for the program is always Groundhog’s Day, since the Groundhog sees his shadow… get it?

Job Shadowing has been offered in our school for over 10 years. According to Mrs. Demchak, “The first job shadowing day that I arranged was in February 2004, so this is the 11th job shadowing that I have organized for Westhampton Beach students.”

By spending the day with a professional in their desired career field (aka job shadowing), students have the opportunity to gain a first-hand look at their potential career choice. Often times, students will go to their job shadowing location and learn that the career choice is not right for them. If that happens, it helps them learn what exactly they want. Some students have walked away from job shadowing with after school jobs and internships.

On Monday, February 17^th, I job shadowed at the Bide-a-Wee in Westhampton. I had the opportunity to work with a vet tech, Lori and the veterinarian, Dr. Dipalo. I watched as they worked on animals. In one visit, they took blood to test it for heartworms.

After spending the day with them, I’m still a little unsure if that’s the career path I want to choose. I love animals, but during my visitation it seemed boring since there weren’t many appointments. I want to be in action as a Veterinarian. Lori, the vet tech said, “I love my job, I’m so happy that I choose this career and that I can help these animals when they need it.” Vet tech is different from the actual veterinarian and I seem to like the position of vet tech better than a veterinarian.

Maria Garcia, a junior who also shadowed at Bide-a-wee, said, “I loved it. It opened me to what to expect in the work field. I had thought about being in the career of vet medicine, but after the job shadowing I really loved vet tech. It had what I liked. If I hadn’t gone to the job shadowing I would be still lost into what kind of profession I wanted to do.” She also added, “I came in with questions and came out with answers which helped me a great amount.”

Mrs. Demchak pointed out, “WHBHS Job Shadowing would not be possible without the unwavering support from our Business Advisory Board and numerous other community volunteers.”

Next year’s juniors should take this opportunity not only because it gets you out of school for a day, but also because it truly does help you on your career choices. If you will be a junior next year and are interested in job shadowing, listen for the announcements next year or speak to Mrs. Demchak in room 214.