LJA Job Shadow: Empowering Youth for Future Careers

LJA Job Shadow is a transformative program addressing the career uncertainty faced by many Lithuanian students. With 15% dropping out of university in their first year and many graduating without a clear career path, the program empowers 9th–12th graders to explore professions through real-life experiences.

Students gain hands-on insights by observing professionals in their workplaces, engaging in real job processes, and developing essential 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and communication.

The program has three stages:

• Preparation (September–November): Teachers guide students using materials on CV writing, motivational letters, and workplace etiquette. LJA also offers online training for organizations to prepare them for hosting students.
• Job Shadowing (November): Students spend up to a full working day in selected organizations, observing professionals and trying real tasks. Hosting this activity once a year allows for seamless coordination between schools and companies, maximizing program impact.
• Reflection (November–December): Structured sessions help students analyze their experiences and plan informed career steps.

The www.seseliavimas.lt EdTech platform, a first-of-its-kind in Lithuania, connects students with over 250 organizations nationwide. It simplifies the process and provides career guides, videos, and virtual shadowing, ensuring equitable access for underserved students. This platform acts as a bridge between schools and companies, making career exploration accessible to all.

Each year, LJA Job Shadow facilitates nearly 1,000 shadowing experiences, helping students discover strengths, build confidence, and make informed career choices.

Inspiring KPIs:

• In 2024, young people could choose from more than 560 shadowing positions;
• More than 200 organizations from all over Lithuania participate in the program;
• Over 1,200 shadowing visits have been organized over four years;
• 97% of students said that this experience helped them make a decision about their profession;
• The experience was rated 9.7 out of 10.

Recognized for its innovation and inclusivity, LJA Job Shadow received the Lietuvos Galia Award from the President of Lithuania and was named one of the 133 best digital solutions globally by the World Summit Awards 2025.