This semester, 70 Albert Lea High School seniors  will have  the opportunity to shadow in a career of their choice, according to a press release.

Shadowing is a time for students to spend an hour or even  a full day in a business or industry. They select their top three career choices and the project director finds placements, usually finding their top choice for them. Students learn about industry trends, careers available in the area, receive a tour or have some hands-on experience. They make appointments, interview the professional, dress appropriately for that business, arrive on time and write a personal handwritten thank you note to the professional they meet with.

From this experience, seniors will learn if their  intended career choice or school is right for them, the release stated. Some find the career area isn’t what they had expected, which saves them time, money and stress from going to the wrong school and choosing the wrong career.

Students who shadow are more likely to complete their education in their field of choice, according to the release. Through the experience, some students may  find a mentor to help them now or later in their career.

Businesses that support seniors this semester and give them time for a shadow experience include: Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea (mini job fair); District 241 schools: Southwest Middle School, Lakeview, Sibley and Halvorson Elementary schools, and  Albert Lea High School; Albert Lea police and engineering departments; Freeborn County Sheriffs Office and environmental departments; District 241/Mayo Clinic athletic trainer; Eaton Sport & Spine; Zumbro River Brand; Commodity Marketing; Clarks Grove Vet Clinic; Bragen Rights Photography; Jim & Dudes Plumbing; R & R Racing; Lou Rich/Innovance; Select Foods; Paul Nollette of Edward Jones; Blake’s Body Shop; Oak Park Place; Waldorf University; Freeborn-Mower Cooperative; Shell Rock Watershed District; Midwest Ag Electric; CFS; The Children’s Center, Bonnerup Funeral Service; Cedar House; National Guard recruiter; Hormel Institute; Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves; and Plaza Landscaping.

This school year, 159 seniors will have had this opportunity through the economic classes taught by Elizabeth Hynes. The shadow experience is part of the Albert Lea Greater Education Project, funded by the Albert Lea Education Foundation. If you would like to be a job shadow site, speak to the eighth-grade Pathways career class or donate to the project, contact Jean Eaton, project director, at 507-383-7880.