Job Shadow Day/Harris Interactive Poll:

Events since 9/11 have Little Impact on Most Teens’ Perceptions of Careers in Politics or the Military

Of Those Interested, Boys Twice as Likely as Girls to Consider Public Service

Washington, DC, (November 5, 2003) – Since 9/11 and the start of the War on Terror, many have assumed that America’s young people are now more likely to consider serving their country through careers in politics or the military. But nearly 80 percent of teens say recent events have had no impact in this area, according to a poll of 654 teens between the ages of 13 and 18 conducted by the Job Shadow Coalition and Harris Interactive. The demographically weighted poll took place between October 10 and 24, 2003.

Specifically, 79 percent of respondents said they were "neither more nor less likely" or "would never consider" a career in politics or government service. For military careers, the response was 78 percent. There was virtually no difference between teens’ perceptions of careers in politics or government service, and the military.

However, about 14 percent of those surveyed said they are now more likely to consider careers in politics or the military, while around 8 percent said they are now less likely. Of these respondents, boys are twice as likely as girls to consider careers in the military (17% vs. 9%) and politics or public service (18% vs. 9%).

"Even though progress has been made in recent decades, the military and politics are still seen as male-dominated fields," says Stuart Shapiro, Executive Director of the Job Shadow Coalition. "It is important that we give both young men and young women the chance to explore the opportunities available to them in these career fields. That’s why initiatives such as Job Shadow Day are so important."

Kicking off on February 2, 2004, more than one million young people will have a chance to explore their futures when they "shadow" workplace mentors as part of the seventh annual Groundhog Job Shadow Day initiative.

Job Shadow is a yearlong national effort to enrich the lives of students by acquainting them with the world of work through on-the-job experiences and a carefully crafted school curriculum that ties academics to the workplace. National Job Shadow is a coordinated effort of Junior Achievement, America’s Promise °X The Alliance for Youth, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Monster and News Corporation are the major co-sponsors.

Last year, more than one million of America’s youth were able to experience more than 100,000 workplaces throughout the nation. For additional information including a How-to Guide, brochure, and an online training presentation on how to coordinate Job Shadow ing, visit www.jobshadow.org. For more information contact info@jobshadow.org. Free materials can be ordered from a fulfillment house by calling 800-373-3174.

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