What Is Job Shadowing?
Job shadowing is just what it sounds like. You will be assigned to a staff member, and you will follow along with them as they work. This is a great way to see for yourself what a specific job could look like. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about a job you're interested in. You may spend a few hours or a full day shadowing someone depending on your interest and goals and the availability of staff.
See below for contact information.
Informational Interviews
An informational interview is a relaxed conversation with a professional in which you get to ask questions about a specific career including job duties, what the job market is like, and how best to prepare for a particular field. It is an easy way to get some basic information, and many Three Rivers professionals are more than willing to share what they know!
The interview may sound intimidating but remember YOU are not being interviewed, you are doing the interviewing by asking questions and gathering information. Interviews usually last about 20-30 minutes and will be fit to your career goals or the level you are at in school.
See below for contact information.
Who to Contact
The locations listed below are happy to arrange a job shadowing opportunity or informational interview for you. All locations accept middle school to college-aged students. Contact the supervisor listed to discuss your options.
- Baker Outdoor Learning Center, Maple Plain
Contact: Ryan Barth, 763-694-7856
- Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista
Contact: Andi Anderson, 763-694-2001
Note: The best time to job shadow for farm work is mid-March through October.
- Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Brooklyn Park
Contact: Patty Maher, 763-694-7790
- Eastman Nature Center, Osseo/Maple Grove
Contact: Kim Nowicki, 763-694-7700
- Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
Contact: Allison Neaton, 763-694-7650
- The Landing, Shakopee
Contact: Zachary Mohlis, 763-694-7784
Note: The Landing offers historical and cultural interpretation job shadowing.
- Richardson Nature Center, Bloomington
Contact: Michael Gottschalk, 763-694-7676
- Silverwood Park, St. Anthony
Contact: Alyssa Baguss, 763-694-7707
Note: Silverwood offers art education job shadowing.
- Outdoor Recreation School, Plymouth
Contact: Heather Gordon, 763-694-7717
- Natural Resources Management, Plymouth
Contact: Angela Grill, 763-694-7840
Note: Natural Resources Management offers job shadowing within Forestry, Water Resources and Wildlife. June–September is the best time to shadow wildlife staff with projects such as turtle nesting, prairie restoration and seed collection and pollinator surveys. - Other
Contact: Chia Xiong, 763-694-1125.
Note: If you are interested in shadowing someone who works in marketing, events, human resources or other areas not listed here, please contact Chia Xiong.
