The Programme
The IoD is committed to improving the understanding of business and its contribution to society. Management shadowing provides an opportunity for the student to learn about business management through time spent with a senior manager.
Management embraces many tasks including staff relations, dealing with clients and the public, administration, time management and organisational skills. The programme is designed to give sixth-form students the chance to be selected to shadow senior managers in the workplace and learn about management skills from firsthand experience.
The IoD's management shadowing programme has been running in Guernsey for many years and has received huge support from the Guernsey business community who provide access to their senior personnel for the island’s students to shadow.
Observation & Learning
Places are limited and those who are selected to take part will shadow a manager and establish a one-to-one relationship. The student’s role is one of observation and learning how the manager works, with the student actively encouraged to ask questions about the manager’s work ethic and views on management throughout the placement. It is a two-way process and feedback is not only encouraged but is essential for both students and employers to benefit from the experience.
Management shadowing is different to work experience which typically involves the student engaging in non-specialist tasks in the work environment so that they gain experience within a particular industry sector. The students observe and learn from managers or directors who have a high level of responsibility within their organisation.
Students
The student is the ever-present “fly on the wall” who may encounter confidential workplace situations demonstrating the trust placed in them. Managers are willing to have their actions and rationale scrutinised by the student, creating the unique nature of the Programme.
Students are invited to apply for the programme by completing an application form. Students should check the deadline on the form to ensure they do not miss the entry date. The completed forms will then be discussed with the students’ teachers to select the candidates who will benefit most from the scheme.