Final answer:
Work-study programs like job shadowing and volunteerism allow students to gain practical experience in their field of interest and explore different career options. They complement academic learning and help in setting career goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Work-study programs are a type of exploratory work experience education such as job shadowing, volunteerism, and informational interviews. These practical experiences are designed to complement classroom learning by providing students with exposure to real-world occupational settings, helping them to evaluate their career interests and set goals. Particularly, job shadowing allows students to observe professionals in their field of interest, gaining insight into the day-to-day activities of a job, and affording them the opportunity to ask questions similar to those in an informational interview.
Volunteering also plays a vital role in work-study programs, as it offers students the chance to develop employability skills while testing out potential career paths. Additionally, these experiences can aid in broadening a student's understanding of various career options and build a network of professional contacts that might be beneficial in securing future employment.
By engaging in work-study programs on campus or through other channels, students can research and evaluate various work-study program opportunities, enhancing their education with practical experience and preparing them for everyday practical living after college.