On the afternoon of Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Grade 9-10 students from Shanghai High School International Division, accompanied by their House Program mentors and homeroom teachers, visited renowned enterprises, universities, and cultural institutions across Shanghai for the annual “Job Shadow Day” thematic study trip. With over 500 students and teachers participating across 18 distinct inquiry directions, the event aimed to guide students beyond classroom boundaries. They experienced the integration of cutting-edge knowledge and technological applications in real-life settings, understanding the connection between academic learning and the practical world, thereby accumulating insights and broadening their horizons for their own academic development and career planning.

The trip was structured around three main experiential directions. First, visits to well-known enterprises and innovative companies provided students with on-site tours and industry exchanges, helping them explore various workplace environments and understand emerging industry trends, building practical reference points for future career choices. Second, trips to college institutions and research organizations allowed students to deeply experience the academic ecosystem, engage with advanced scientific achievements, and gain a direct understanding of the essence and pathways of research work through laboratory observations and dialogues with scholars. Third, visits to cultural and tourism venues such as art galleries, and theaters guided students to broaden their humanistic perspectives and nurture comprehensive competencies in the realms of history, art, and tourism, enriching their personal growth and value formation.

Exploring Innovation and Industry Frontiers

During this event, students had hands-on exposure to advancements in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and clean energy, gaining a direct understanding of their practical applications. Through in-depth exchanges and observations with frontline professionals, they recognized the critical role of technological innovation in driving social progress and addressing global challenges. Some students also visited renowned companies in the tourism service and legal industries, where they learned about data analysis, user experience optimization, and the application of law in cultural and practical contexts. These visits showcased the richness and depth of different sectors, helping students broaden their perspectives and develop a comprehensive understanding of the diverse professional roles and industry values that shape how society functions.

Experiencing Academic and Research Excellence

Students also visited prestigious universities and research institutions, gaining firsthand exposure to the unique charm of academic research and technological innovation. During these visits, students explored the latest breakthroughs in various technical fields and saw how these advancements are applied in areas such as medical rehabilitation and intelligent systems. Through laboratory tours and expert lectures, they also learned about the applications of foundational sciences, such as laser technology and spectroscopy. These activities opened doors to the world of scientific research and highlighted the close relationship between academic exploration and technological progress, inspiring students to actively pursue their academic and career aspirations.

Discovering the Uniqueness of Cultural and Tourism Venues

Students also explored theaters and museums, immersing themselves in the diversity and depth of culture, art, and entertainment. They gained an understanding of the importance of artistic creation and teamwork, while appreciating multidimensional artworks that explored the connections between humanity, society, reality, and imagination. Additionally, students learned about the rich operational and management details behind the tourism and cultural industries, recognizing how creativity and meticulous service combine to shape visitor experiences. These activities broadened students’ cultural horizons and deepened their understanding of the value of the culture, art, and entertainment sectors.

Students Sharing

“During the Job Shadow Day this year, I, along with more than 40 classmates, visited Whalesbot to learn about educational robots and related technological products up close. During the visit, ehe first thing we saw was the Whalesbot H7. By combining on-device LLM and ML, H7 can perform many human-like tasks, including handling, patrolling, guiding, and disturbance-resistant walking. It can also serve as an educational robot to assist teachers in class and use large language models to answer students’ questions. We then explored flying robots, modular building robots, a motion-capture system, and a simulated production line. Each time I saw the new product, I was extremely curious about the operating logic behind each of them, such as the motion-capture technology that uses multiple cameras to collect multi-angle images and feeds them into a vision AI system. Throughout the Job Shadow Day, the visit gave us an initial understanding of the principles behind robotics and the company’s values in STEM education, from which I greatly benefited.”——9-12 Rick

“Aden Group France Career Day visit: On Career Day we headed over to the Aden Group France office located in China. The team there walked us through how major global companies play a role in building a more sustainable future. Staff members broke down ESG for us. That covers environmental, social, and governance principles. They pointed out how these standards really shape everyday business choices in practice. We picked up details on Aden's clean energy projects as well. Those involve energy saving systems for buildings and methods to lower carbon emissions across large scale facilities. That trip helped clear up connections between technology, sustainability efforts, and the broader industry landscape. Plenty of us came away with a solid grasp on potential career directions. We saw even more how environmental innovations matter so much in the current world.”——10-8 William

“This year’s job shadow day we went to the Dow chemical company and got the chance to explore their building and understand how chemistry connects to their work. We first listened to some lectures about sustainability, artificial intelligence digital projects, and some products made of organosilicon. We had the chance to have a real touch on silicon and how quartz sand is turned into silicone: sand to charcoal to Metal Silicon with Oxide and eventually made into Organosilicon. Afterwards, we explored their building and something super interesting is the race car they had which parts were made from the products of Dow chemical company. This job shadow day is a very good experience for us to have a deeper knowledge on chemistry and how it affects our life.”——9-3 Katie

“Today, I had the privilege of visiting a McDonald's store on Huaihai Road, marking my first glimpse into the inner workings of this global fast-food empire. The experience was truly remarkable. From delving into the history of McDonald's to exploring the kitchen and witnessing the journey of a meal from frozen storage to the final dish on our table, I was fascinated by the intricate processes behind every step. We even had the chance to prepare our own coffee and ice cream, adding a personal touch to the visit. This experience shattered my previous stereotypes of fast food being chaotic and unsanitary. Instead, I found everything meticulously organised and spotless. I also discovered the important role that data analysis plays in crafting the meals we enjoy, highlighting how mathematics and economics shape our daily lives.”——9-6 Cherie

“Today we visited the National Facility for Translational Medicine at Ruijin Hospital. An introductory video explained the hospital’s focus on three areas: oncology, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. We toured underground floors and saw advanced facilities, including an intelligent clinical biobank that stores 140,000 samples and retrieves them accurately. Liquid nitrogen tanks preserve samples without relying on short-term electricity. The digital human model vividly displayed muscle, blood vessels, and skeletal structures, and could simulate metabolic changes. On the 7th floor, smart floors in patient rooms monitor falls or emergencies. This visit showed me how technology is transforming healthcare and enhancing patient care in practical ways.”——10-2 Michelle

“Strolling into the gallery, two clusters of leaves hung silently in the center of the cement hall. They were golden under sunshine’s influence, capturing autumn’s visage into a timeless exhibition. Examining the surroundings, the scene of nature was displayed within an architecture of concrete, seemingly contradictory to its purpose. By the end of the visit, I may not have uncovered the deeper significance of every work, but my impression of art itself had been reconstructed. Art was never a pursuit of aestheticism, it became a blurred yet lucid mirror, reflecting our thoughts regarding reality and ideals, and the bridge in between.”——9-2 Hanrui

Throughout the visits, students demonstrated strong intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. This “Job Shadow Day” activity was like windows being opened one by one, allowing students to glimpse the diversity and depth of future industry landscapes. From green technology and digital transformation to innovative services, through walking and conversing, students not only accumulated valuable industry knowledge but also personally felt the core elements driving industry development: the spirit of continuous innovation, the focus on solving real-world problems, and the pursuit of social value. This immersive learning experience will undoubtedly become valuable nourishment for their academic growth and career exploration, inspiring them to engage in deeper, more rational thinking and planning on the path connecting their personal potential with societal needs.

We sincerely thank all the enterprises, institutions, and their staff who hosted the visits for their warm reception and thoughtful guidance. It is your openness and sharing that have lit another beacon on the students' journey of growth.

(Written by 9-1 Ray   Pictures by Grade 9-10 students and teachers    Reviewed by Gu Ying, Shen Chenli, Ye Zhen, Shi Meijun)