Junior Achievement’s Job Shadow Program Builds Career-Readiness
A pilot and aviation pioneer, inventor based in Virginia Beach, VA, Robert Anthony Nolan has gained experience flying a variety of aircraft since earning his first pilot license in 1984. Alongside his various professional pursuits, Robert Nolan has also worked in support of a number of nonprofit organizations, including his work as a volunteer teacher for Junior Achievement in Virginia Beach, VA. Dedicated to giving youth the knowledge and skills necessary to attain future economic success, Junior Achievement oversees various education programs in the areas of work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. In addition to in-school programs featuring interactive classroom activities, the organization provides students with real-world experience through programs such as JA Job Shadow. Designed for high school students, JA Job Shadow helps participants learn what it takes to find and maintain gainful employment in a satisfying career. The program consists of three classroom sessions as well as a job shadow visit to a local place of work. Each classroom session correlates to state content standards and focuses on work-readiness topics such as networking, resumes, and interviewing. The job shadow component, which typically lasts four to five hours, gives students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a professional environment. Following all of the activities, students reflect on the experience and write a thank you note to the community partners.