When it comes to finding the right job, experience can be one of the best teachers. For individuals receiving supported employment services and participating in Community Work-Based Assessments (CWBAs), job shadows and job tryouts are powerful tools that offer real-world insight into various careers. These experiences can make all the difference in helping someone find meaningful, sustainable employment.

What Is a Job Shadow?

A job shadow is an observational experience where an individual spends time following a professional through their daily routine. It’s a chance to see what the job is really like—what tasks are involved, what skills are needed, and what the work environment feels like. Think of it as a “day in the life” tour of a job without the pressure of having to perform.

What Is a Job Tryout?

A job tryout is more hands-on. It allows individuals to actually perform certain tasks under supervision, often for a short period. This experience gives them a taste of what it would be like to work in that role, while giving employment specialists valuable insights into a person’s skills, preferences, and support needs.

Why Are These Experiences So Important?

For individuals in supported employment programs, career exploration isn’t always straightforward. Many may not have had previous work experience or exposure to a wide range of job types. Job shadows and tryouts offer:

• Informed Choice: Experiencing a variety of jobs helps individuals make better, more confident choices about their future.
• Skill Discovery: Sometimes people uncover hidden strengths or talents they didn’t know they had.
• Confidence Building: Stepping into different workplaces helps build comfort, reduce anxiety, and improve self-esteem.
• Customized Employment Planning: Employment specialists can use these experiences to tailor job development and training plans that truly fit the individual.

The Value of Exploring a Wide Variety of Jobs

Limiting someone to just one or two job types restricts their growth and potential. Showing a variety of options helps broaden their perspective and ensures we match people with jobs that align with their abilities, interests, and goals—not just what’s readily available.

Here are some common fields individuals can explore through job shadows and tryouts:

• Retail – stocking, customer service, cashiering
• Food Service – dishwashing, prep work, bussing tables, hosting
• Office Support – filing, data entry, mail sorting
• Customer Service – greeting, answering phones, assisting clients
• Janitorial & Maintenance – cleaning, upkeep, sanitation tasks
• Warehouse & Logistics – sorting, packing, inventory
• Animal Care – assisting at shelters, grooming support
• Hospitality – hotel housekeeping, laundry services
• Childcare Assistance – classroom support, organizing materials
• Healthcare Support Roles – linen services, food tray delivery, reception
• Landscaping & Groundskeeping – mowing, planting, outdoor cleanup
• Arts & Creative Work – crafting, helping in art studios or community centers

A Path Toward Purpose

At its core, supported employment is about helping people build fulfilling lives through meaningful work. Job shadows and tryouts aren’t just career exploration—they’re empowerment. They say to each person: Your interests matter. Your goals are valid. You have a place in the workforce.

By opening the door to different job experiences, we help individuals build a clearer vision for their future—and take confident steps toward it.