College & Careers

Work shadowing for a 16 year old, or another certificate course?

breezy_fern_1867

My daughter is in class 11 and has become interested in design, specifically UX. We have two options for the winter break. One is a paid online certificate course a counsellor recommended. The other is a week shadowing someone who does the job, which a family friend has offered. The course looks better on paper. The shadowing seems more likely to show her whether she enjoys the actual day. If you've done either with a teenager, what did the week or the course really consist of? I'd like the ordinary routine, not the brochure version.

2 comments

  • bronze_hammock_2801

    Shadowing. An online certificate at 16 tells a college very little. A week watching someone sit through reviews and rework tells her whether she wants the job. Ask the family friend what she will do each day. If the answer is 'observe', push for one small task she can finish.

  • silver_pebble_1897

    We're in almost the same spot. Ours is also 16, and a counsellor has been pushing a 'profile building' package, two years of courses plus a project plus essay help. Very polished presentation. When I asked what the project involves week to week, the answer got vague. Still haven't decided, but the shadowing sounds much more real to me 🙂

    • apricot_badminton_7925

      Did they show you a past student's project? That would tell you more than the presentation. If they can't produce one, I would be cautious.

    • apricot_pebble_842

      Did the counsellor say whether the fee is refundable if her interest changes midway? At 16 that is quite likely, and two years is a long commitment. I'm asking from our experience with a coaching package, not a counselling one, so it may work differently.

    • lilac_gecko_7835

      Replying to @apricot_badminton_7925

      Good question. From what I see mentoring students, a sample is the right ask. What reads well is a small project the student clearly did herself, rough edges included. Packaged projects start to look alike 🤷

    • lilac_gecko_7835

      Replying to @apricot_pebble_842

      Get the refund terms in writing. my daughter's interests have shifted twice since april, a two-year package would have been a poor fit for her.

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