There are those few who know exactly what they want to do with their life from when they are a child. In those rare instances a child will grow up wanting to be an astronaut or Supreme Court judge, and will do everything it takes to achieve that career goal and eventually land their dream job in their choosen field. Stories like that are rare but they do happen. The more common route is not knowing what you want to do until a moment in your life happens that makes you realize exactly what it is you want out of life.

Or you just go from job to job in a variety of industries and never really settle on just one. Whether you're in school or drive semi-trucks and aren't sure what it is you want to do there's help for you. One such career help tool is job shadowing. For those of you who don't know what job shadowing is it's a career exploration activity in which students or career switchers spend time with professionals in the industry of their choice and watch them do their job.

What job shadowing provides is an opportunity to see what it would be like to work in a specific field without actually having to commit to that profession. For instance, if you want to be an audio engineer you can shadow a music producer to see what it would be like to work in that field, what type of skills you need, what the hours are like, and get some first hand knowledge and experience with the equipment

You get the chance to watch professionals go about their workday and see what it is they do, how much work they put into their job, the good stuff, the bad stuff, how stressful it can be, etc. You are pretty much looking your future in the face when job shadowing but without having to make a commitment to such a career.

Job shadowing will either reinforce your beliefs that you want to be a strapping machine installation technician or baker or will make you realize that this is not the career path you want. Whichever way job shadowing makes you feel it's a valuable asset to have when figuring out your career ambitions and goals.

Getting a glimpse of your future while having your questions answered by maybe a make-up artist or pipe-fitter, will give you all the information you need when deciding what career you should pursue. Job shadowing also does a good job in helping you figure out what it is you don't want to do. Either way you might want to check it out to help you figure out your future.