Ever wondered what it is like to walk a day in someone else’s professional shoes? That’s basically what job shadowing is. Imagine a young graduate named Chioma lands an internship in a Lagos-based bank. Instead of being left in a corner to sort files, she’s paired with a branch manager. For two weeks, she observes how the manager handles clients, makes quick decisions under pressure, and even navigates boardroom discussions. By the end of her shadowing experience, Chioma doesn’t just understand “what” the role is about – she has lived through the “how.”
That’s the power of job shadowing – a simple yet transformative career development tool. Unlike traditional training, job shadowing allows individuals to step into the shoes of experienced professionals, watch them in real time, and absorb practical lessons that can shape their future careers.
In a world where competition for jobs and promotions is fierce, especially in Nigeria’s dynamic job market, job shadowing offers a competitive edge. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, turning career aspirations into clear roadmaps. As one career coach once said: “Reading about a job is like looking at a photo; shadowing someone in that job is like stepping into the scene itself.”
This article looks at what job shadowing is, its benefits, how to make the most of it, and why it’s becoming increasingly relevant for career advancement.
Job shadowing is a career development practice where an individual (the “shadower”) closely observes a professional (the “host”) performing their daily tasks. It is not about doing the job yourself but rather learning by watching, asking questions, and reflecting.
It can take various forms:
- Short-term shadowing: A few hours or a day, often used by students or new hires.
- Extended shadowing: Weeks or months, suitable for those considering a career shift.
- Virtual shadowing: Increasingly popular since the pandemic, where observation happens through digital platforms.
Whether on a factory floor, hospital, or a corporate office, shadowing gives firsthand exposure to workplace realities that textbooks or lecture halls can’t provide.
1. Clarity in Career Choices
Many graduates in Nigeria face the “what next?” dilemma after NYSC. Job shadowing offers clarity. By observing professionals in fields of interest, individuals can determine if the career resonates with their skills and passions.
For example, someone dreaming of becoming a lawyer might shadow a corporate attorney and discover that the job involves more paperwork than courtroom drama. This saves time and helps avoid costly career missteps.
2. Practical Learning Beyond Theory
Universities teach theory, but job shadowing teaches application. Watching how a project manager negotiates deadlines or how a doctor explains diagnoses to patients provides lessons no textbook can fully capture.
As a Nigerian HR professional put it: “Classrooms teach you the rules; shadowing shows you the exceptions and how to manage them.”
3. Networking Opportunities
Shadowing connects you with professionals and mentors who can guide your career journey. In Nigeria, where “who you know” often opens doors, job shadowing is a subtle but powerful way to build meaningful professional relationships.
4. Boosting Confidence
For career starters, workplaces can be intimidating. Shadowing reduces anxiety by demystifying roles. Once you have seen a professional in action, you walk into your own job better prepared and more confident.
5. Exposure to Organisational Culture
Every workplace has its culture – formal or relaxed, team-oriented or individualistic. Job shadowing lets you experience this firsthand, helping you decide whether the environment suits you.
6. Skill Identification and Development
Shadowing reveals not just what the job requires but also which skills to prioritize. For instance, shadowing a digital marketer may highlight the need for strong analytics skills, not just creativity.
Examples of Job Shadowing in Action
- Healthcare: In teaching hospitals across Nigeria, medical students shadow senior doctors during rounds. This is often their first real taste of patient care.
- Banking: Some banks allow graduate trainees to shadow experienced staff across different departments before permanent placements.
- Tech Startups: In hubs like Yaba and Ikeja, interns often shadow developers, product managers, and UX designers to understand startup operations.
These experiences prepare individuals for the demands of the job market while offering organisations the chance to groom future talent.
How to Make the Most of Job Shadowing
1. Set Clear Goals
Before shadowing, ask yourself: What do I want to learn? Is it about understanding the role, the industry, or the skills required? Having a goal makes the experience more purposeful.
2. Be Observant
Take note of both technical tasks and soft skills. How does your host manage conflicts, communicate with clients, or handle stress? Sometimes the subtle lessons are the most valuable.
3. Ask Questions (Politely)
Shadowing isn’t passive. Prepare thoughtful questions such as:
- “What’s the most challenging part of your job?”
- “What skills helped you succeed here?”
- “If you were starting today, what would you do differently?”
4. Reflect After Each Session
Keep a journal of your observations. Reflection helps connect what you have seen with your career goals.
5. Stay Professional
Dress appropriately, respect confidentiality, and treat the opportunity as if it were a job. Remember, shadowing can open doors to internships or permanent roles.
The Employer’s Perspective: Why Offer Job Shadowing?
Organisations also benefit from offering shadowing opportunities:
- Talent Pipeline: It helps companies identify future employees who are already familiar with their processes.
- Employer Branding: It positions the organisation as a learning-friendly workplace, attracting ambitious talent.
- Knowledge Transfer: Senior employees pass on tacit knowledge that is hard to capture in training manuals.
For Nigerian companies struggling with skill gaps, job shadowing can serve as a low-cost talent development strategy.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Limited Access: Not all roles are suitable for shadowing, especially sensitive ones like finance or legal work. Solution: provide limited but meaningful exposure.
- Time Constraints: Professionals are often too busy to mentor. Solution: structure shadowing programmes with clear schedules.
- Unclear Expectations: Without structure, shadowing can feel like “tagging along.” Solution: outline goals and responsibilities upfront.
Job Shadowing vs. Internships: What’s the Difference?
While both offer experiential learning, they differ in depth:
- Internships involve active participation – doing tasks and contributing to projects.
- Job shadowing is more observational, focused on learning rather than performance.
For career starters, shadowing can be a stepping stone into internships or entry-level roles.
Future of Job Shadowing in Nigeria
With youth unemployment still high, job shadowing could be a game-changer for bridging the gap between education and employment. If schools and companies collaborate to integrate structured shadowing programmes, graduates will leave school better prepared.
Virtual shadowing is also on the rise, allowing Nigerian students to observe international professionals through video calls and online platforms. This opens up global perspectives without the cost of travel.
Job shadowing is more than just watching – it’s experiencing. It gives clarity, builds networks, boosts confidence, and provides real-world insights that classrooms can’t offer.
For Nigerian graduates struggling to find their footing, job shadowing can mean the difference between guesswork and informed career choices. For professionals considering a career change, it provides a safe way to test the waters. And for employers, it is an inexpensive strategy to groom the next generation of talent.
Think back to Chioma, the young graduate we mentioned earlier. Her short time shadowing a manager didn’t just teach her about banking; it ignited her ambition and gave her a clearer career path. That’s the true power of job shadowing – it transforms possibilities into practical realities.
As an African proverb reminds us: “He who learns from the footsteps of the wise, walks farther than he who runs alone.”
So, if you are serious about career advancement, seek out shadowing opportunities. Don’t just dream about success – walk alongside those living it.
Contributed by Agolo Eugene Uzorka, a Human Resource Management Consultant and Content Writer.
