Externship Program
What is an Externship?
An externship is a chance to get an insider's view of a career field by shadowing a professional in their workplace for anywhere from a few hours to an entire day.
How can an Externship benefit you?
Who should do an Externship?
What do Externs do?
Student externs observe day-to-day activities of an organization and assist with a variety of projects or short-term activities such as:
- Conducting informational interviews with employers to gain a broad perspective of the company as well as insight into the career path followed by their host.
- Touring the facilities
- Attending meetings and/or orientations
- Observing and asking questions
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY
- Must have at least a 2.0 GPA
- Current class status of at least 2nd semester freshman
- Must have verified attendance of participation in interviewing or networking workshop, the COMM interview class or Career Boot Camp.
- Must schedule a meeting with the Externship Coordinator no later than one semester following submission of an externship placement request.
5 EASY STEPS
To Prepare You to Become a Successful Externship Candidate:
When are Externships scheduled?
Informational Interviews
Informational Interviews may take place at the professional's place of employment or may be conducted via phone. Occasionally some areas of profession have confidentiality issues that prevent a site visit. In this case, an informational interview might provide insight into the career field. In an informational interview, you can speak with experienced professionals and learn whether you are on the right career path. It is also a good chance to practice interviewing skills without the pressure of a job interview!
Informational interviews are to be taken as seriously as regular interviews. Do your homework and be prepared! Check out the Interview Section for assistance.
What Students are Saying about their Externship experience. . . .
"My externship was a great experience. It totally changed my career options and helped me focus on what direction I wanted to go. I received valuable advice from the employer and plan to apply for an internship next year."
"It helped me to make a decision about what major to pursue."
"I learned that I don't want to work in a clinical setting."
"This was a great experience! I am very interested in pursuing a career in Forensic Science and (the Externship) gave me an understanding of what a career in the field would be like."
"I would tell (students) to do an Externship because the experience you gain is very valuable and you can learn so much from someone that is already working in the field that you plan to go into."
"Students can see how well a field suits them by actually asking professional questions. The observing of the job is excellent and just might help them make a decision on what career to pursue."
"Very valuable, helpful, and well worth the time!"
Recent Externship Sites
- Maritz
- Kane County Cougars
- Loyola University Art Museum
- Atlantic Records
- ATI Physical Therapy
- Grant Thornton
- Leo Burnett Worldwide
- Indiana Symphony Orchestra
- Chicago Board of Trade
- American Cancer Society
- ESW Advertising
- Adler Planetarium
- Hyatt Regency
- Chicago Botanical Garden
- Cook County Public Defender Office
- NBC 5 Chicago
- Midwest Orthopedic Institute
- Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System
- Edward Jones
- Lincoln Library
- Creative Hospitality Associates, LLC
- Chicago History Museum
- Mercy Hospital
- Chicago Park District
