Choosing which career to pursue can be a tough decision. Several Russellville High School seniors recently got a bit of help in making that decision by spending some time job shadowing people in various professions. From a beauty salon to the mayor's office, this job shadowing gave these soon-to-be graduates a closer look at what their future may hold.

Ben Kees spent time in two places, at Hutson, Inc. where his father John is manager, and at the mayor's office job shadowing Russellville Mayor Shirlee Yassney.

Kees said working with his father made him realize there is a lot of paperwork involved in management. He learned more about the day-to-day operations of the company, but he especially enjoyed the last day, which was lawn and garden day at Hutson.

Kees said his time at the mayor's office was very interesting. While there, Kees got to examine the budget with Yassney, attend a meeting with several elected officials, and visit the various city departments. He said the experience was a valuable one.

“It just made me want to go into public service more,” said Kees, who already keeps up with local politics and is planning to major in communication at Kentucky Wesleyan.

Shonay Dandridge said she enjoyed her job shadowing time with Kathy Edmonds at Kathy's Hair Salon. Although she never got to actually cut any hair, Dandridge said she did learn about hairstyles, helped get customers ready and took appointments.

“I really enjoyed it,” she said.

Dandridge said she is planning to study civil engineering at University of Louisville, but considers cosmetology a possible “back-up career.”

Brandi Kees is considering a career in cosmetology, but chose to job shadow at Bluegrass Cellular. She said she spends so much time on the phone with them as a customer, she wanted to see what it was like on the other side.

“It was very stressful,” Brandi Kees said. She learned how to program phones and offer some assistance to customers.

“I like meeting new people,” she said.

All in all she said she enjoyed her time there, even if it was a bit stressful at times.

Justin Williams didn't have to go far for his job shadowing experience- he spent his time with RHS band director Brian Brown.

Williams, who plans to major in music education in the fall at Murray State University, said he really enjoyed his time working with Brown. Williams already knew Brown, but this gave him more time to spend with him learning about his job.

Williams got to go with Brown to work with the middle school band students. He said that was fun because the younger kids really seem to enjoy what they are doing.

Job shadowing his teacher gave Williams the chance to see more of the administrative side of teaching.

Brown said he was glad to have Williams by his side for a few days.

“He was actually quite a bit of help,” Brown said.

Many more students participated in the job shadowing program, which lasted two weeks. The places they went were as diverse as the students themselves. Overall, the response was very positive.

Williams said he would encourage next year's seniors to take advantage of the opportunity and try to job shadow a career they find interesting even if it is not something they think they want to do. It's a chance to do something different while learning more about what you might, or might not, want to do for the rest of your life.