Test drive your career...
Do an Externship.
Eastern Illinois University's Externship Program offers you a wonderful opportunity to "test" a career without risk of a semester or longer term commitment. It can also get your foot in the door for a competitive internship program or full time job. By shadowing professionals in your field of interest, you will gain real-life experience by observing them at their workplace, as well as initiate professional relationships and build your network with employers.
Student externs observe day-to-day activities of an organization and assist with a variety of projects or short-term activities such as:
- Conduct informational interviews with employers with the intent to gain a broad perspective of the company.
- Tour the facilities
- Attend meetings and/or orientation
- Observe and ask questions
You are encouraged to be an Extern as early as your Freshman year to gain knowledge to assist you in making the right career choices. Externships generally take place during non-class days, semester breaks and holidays and may last for up to 1-2 days.
Simply complete the online form and plan to attend an orientation session. Students must register at least 2 weeks in advance prior to participating in the Externship Program.
Fall Break - October 10, 2008
Thanksgiving Break - November 24-28, 2008
Semester Break - December 15, 2008-January 9, 2009
MLK, Jr. Birthday Observance - January 19, 2009
Lincoln's Birthday Observance - February 13, 2009
Spring Break - March 16-20, 2009
Externships can also be arranged around individual students' class schedules.
Informational Interviews are a great networking tool exposing you to different careers. In an informational interview, you can sit down with experienced professionals and speak candidly about whether they might be a good match for the career field. It is also a good chance to put into practice interviewing skills without the pressure of a job interview!
Interviews should last between 2-3 hours and will take place at the professiona's place of employment. Please submit an online application and resume to Career Services. You will then be matched with professionals who will contact you directly to set up an interview time.
Informational interviews are to be taken as seriously as regular interviews. Do your homework and be prepared! It is a good idea to review your resume with the professional, so make sure you take an updated version with you. In addition, think of questions you would like to ask and prepare yourself to answer some questions as well. Check out the Interview Section for assistance.
"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!"
- Atlantic Records
- Renaissance Hotel-St. Louis
- United Center
- Leo Burnett Worldwide
- IL Dept of Children & Family Services
- Caterpillar
- St. Louis Rams
- Aurora Historical Society
- Chicago Juvenile Probation
- Adler Planetarium
- Ohio State University
- Chicago Botanical Garden
- Catholic Charities
- Ron Steward Fine Art Gallery
- Carle Clinic
- Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System
- Edward Jones
- Chicago Red-Eye
