Externships

HOST AN EXTERN

Mentor a student...

...open a door...

...help launch a career.

The Center for Career Development is actively seeking alums and parents who are able to provide students with an insider's view into their careers and hands-on learning opportunities in their workplaces.

What is an externship?
An externship is an intensive job shadowing experience typically lasting one week (but can be anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks). This unique program provides students with the opportunity to gain a realistic understanding of a career field and to observe on-the-job activities.

If possible, externship hosts also provide home stays for students. This aspect of the externship encourages students to look at careers holistically and explore issues concerning work/life balance.

Who participates?
Externships are open to all students, but first-years and sophomores are particularly encouraged to participate. Applications are required and are reviewed by Career Development staff. Hosts are able to help select their extern if desired. Funding is provided to cover the students' cost of transportation to and from the externship site.

How should I structure the externship?
You can structure the externship in whatever way you see fit. Providing students with the opportunity to meet with a variety of people in your organization and incorporating them into as many different activities as possible (e.g. meetings, special events, etc.) is helpful. Creating a short-term project the student can work on during the externship is also highly encouraged. For further suggestions and advice, please do not hesitate to contact Career Development staff.

Sign up now!

If you have any additional questions, please contact Julie Neill at 717-337-6616 or jneill@gettysburg.edu.