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Eastern Illinois University

Career Services

Externship Program


Employer Sponsor Form |  Post-Externship Evaluation |  Sample Agenda 


Why Sponsor an EIU Extern?  

Eastern Illinois University's Externship Program creates an opportunity for undergraduate students to experience a job shadowing activity before they graduate. By volunteering to be an Externship Sponsor, you will provide EIU students with a meaningful work-related experience.

Externing gives students a chance to "test drive" their careers and assists them in making important decisions about their chosen fields. Your participation in this program will benefit our students by preparing them for entry into the world of work as well as opening up doors that could lead to internships and full-time employment.

Externships are short-term experiences, generally one-two days, and offer no pay or academic credit.

Students are responsible for their own transportation.  



FAQ'S   

When does the Externship take place?
Externships for the fall semester will take place over EIU’s winter break. This is typically December 15th – January 10th. It is entirely up to you and the student to schedule a time that is mutually convenient. 


What are the benefits of hosting an extern?
Employers who participate in the Externship Program are offered a unique opportunity to market their company or organization. All employers who submit their job shadowing opportunities by the deadline will be included in marketing materials seen by students, parents, faculty, and the campus community. Participating employers also will be acknowledged at an Extern reception. This event will recognize students who have successfully completed the program and will allow them to share their experiences with faculty, staff, and fellow students interested in the program.


What is the difference between an Externship and an Internship?
An externship is brief, typically one day in length. Students do not receive compensation or academic credit. An internship typically last 3-6 months and often is paid and/or completed for academic credit. However, Externships are a great way to identify potential Interns!


How will I be matched with a student?
We ask that you provide as much information as possible on the Externship Sponsor Form, so that we have the best understanding as to what type of student (year, major, experience, etc.) you are interested in hosting. We will use this information to match students as closely as we can, based on interests and availability.


What is the process once a student has been matched for an Externship?
Career Services will ensure that both the student and externship host will receive all information necessary to move forward in the process. The student will be responsible for contacting the host directly to schedule the Externship. Students will NOT be given contact information until match has been finalized and host has been notified of match.

Will I be guaranteed that a student will be matched with every host?
Because the program is voluntary and depends on student participation, we cannot guarantee that every employer who volunteers to be a host will be matched with a student. However, your opportunity will be made available every semester the program is in place, as long as you wish to remain a potential host. Your company will still be included in marketing materials listed as a potential host.

Are there any costs associated with volunteering as a host for the Externship Program?
There is no cost associated with being a host. Students are aware and understand that they are responsible with costs, meals, parking, travel, and any other incurred costs associated with the Externship.
 

How do I become a Sponsor? 

To become an Externship Sponsor, please complete the Sponsor Form.

Need more information? Contact Career Services at 217-581-2412. 

 

 

 

Did you just Sponsor an Extern?  

How did it go?  Please assist us in improving our program by providing feedback in our Evaluation!