While the Institute for Youth Development KULT is waiting to host organizations at our premises, this text will explain the very interesting concept behind this – job shadowing. Below, we go into detail about the idea and its advantages.
Why job shadowing?
At the start of 2023, the Institute set several New Year’s resolutions we are committed to pursuing. Job shadowing is a small undertaking, resulting from the Institute’s determination to offer something different through our programs for organizational capacity development. Job shadowing will provide civil society organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a new perspective on organizational development. This concept is commonly used in professional development and involves observing everyday activities, work environments, and the application of various methods and models of work in practice.
Tho goal of the program is to facilitate the exchange and transfer of knowledge and experience, along with valuable practical advice in various areas relevant to capacity building of non-governmental organizations. In addition to mentoring, advisory roles, and human resource development, our goals include fostering networking, motivating partnership creation, and supporting the growth of the civil sector. This concept aims to transfer the positive, useful, and practical aspects of our organization to others, filling a gap that many organizations often struggle with.
What benefits does this concept offer to organizations?
Over the 20 years we have been in operation, the Institute for Youth Development KULT has worked on creating and refining models for organizational development and capacity building. Through mentoring, advisory, technical, and other forms of support, the Institute has helped organizations develop their capacities. This collaboration has led to significant progress for each organization, achieved through a series of activities carried out in partnership with the Institute’s team. We take great pride in the visible progress of these organizations across various aspects of their work and development.
Based on the organization’s level of development, the Institute’s team tailors methodologies and prepares relevant information, which is shared through “job shadowing.” Through Job Shadowing, the Institute will offer our resources and capacities in different areas during hands-on work with organizations. Staff from several departments are available to organizations that visit the Institute: Professional and Technical Support Department, Accounting and Finance Department, Public Relations Department, Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Department, and Organizational Development Department, which will coordinate the process. Our visitors can observe and learn about different work processes at the Institute. They can then apply these insights to their own organizations if they identify relevant opportunities or needs.
What do our visitors think?
Many organizations, recognizing the Institute’s expertise and development, have sought advice, learning opportunities, and guidance. These one-day visits inspire organizations with a clear vision and commitment to progress to keep improving every day and become more proactive.
So far, the Institute has hosted representatives of two partner organizations: The Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities, “Koraci nade,” and the Foundation for Support and Mentoring Development, “Big Brother, Big Sister.” These organizations participate in our organizational capacity-building program. We are expecting two more visits very soon.
Our visitors gave positive feedback about this concept, highlighting how a single day at the Institute will significantly benefit their organizations in the future. By giving organizations a chance to learn about how we operate and then ask questions that could benefit their organizations, we create a space for new ideas and opportunities for growth and development.
“I would like to thank the Institute for Youth Development KULT for this opportunity. We are thrilled with KULT’s approachable staff and the thorough answers provided in response to our questions and concerns. We now have a clear vision of the changes we can make in our organization, as well as an understanding of what we are already doing well. This visit was crucial for our organization’s strengthening, growth, and development,” said a representative from one of the participating organizations.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Institute for Youth Development KULT for the trust placed in us and for selecting our organization to be part of the strengthening, improvement, and development processes. This visit was an honor and a pleasure and I got to learn even more about the work you do in your organization. I am especially proud and pleased that the Institute is full of young, intelligent, and dedicated individuals who have a clear, socially beneficial vision and are actively making a positive impact in my country. I wish you success in all your business and personal ventures, many great projects, and inspiring stories,” is a comment from one visitor’s evaluation questionnaire.
“The concept of job shadowing is very interesting. We learned so much today because we had the opportunity to sit down and actually work with people. We learned a lot of new things that our organization will definitely benefit from. Thank you for the hospitality, promotion, and overall support,” is another comment reflecting the positive experience of the day spent at the Institute.
Who can participate?
Job shadowing is intended for all organizations that participate in organizational capacity development programs and have an approved Organizational Capacity Building Plan/Strategy. Participants should be employees or key organization personnel participating in the organizational capacity-building program.
The ultimate goal is for these employees/key personnel to use the acquired knowledge and experience to improve the policies, procedures, and practices in their organization.
If you have any questions or want to know more about the concept of “job shadowing” at the Institute, you can contact us via e-mail at selma.sljivo@kultbih.org.
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