What is an Externship?

An externship is a one day job shadowing experience that allows you to get an insider’s look at a specific sector of industry and learn about related career fields.  Find out first hand what it’s like to work in the pharmaceutical, financial, consulting, manufacturing, and government sectors.  Observe the day-to-day activities of an engineer, financial analyst, attorney, or project manager.  Discuss specific academic majors and career decisions that alumni and their colleagues have experienced.  Externships are available in a variety of career fields and geographic locations.  See your Career Development Advocate for up-to-date information.

Please Note:

• Students do not receive pay or academic credit for externships.

• Students are responsible for their own expenses and transportation.

• Students must attend an Externship Orientation Session and contact their sponsor in a timely manner.

• Students are expected to meet with their advocate after completing their externship.

Why should I join the Stevens Externship Program?

Externships allow you to explore a career field and observe the work environment first hand.

You will have the opportunity to ask academic and career related questions of your host who was once in your position.  Whether you’re unsure of what you’d like to pursue or have so many interests it’s hard to choose, externships can provide the information you need to make informed decisions.  

• Confirm your choice of major and career field

• Discover interesting career opportunities

• Begin establishing a professional network of contacts

How do I apply?  How am I matched with a sponsor?

First and second year students are eligible to apply.  Students must submit a resume as well as brief statement of interest.  Students and sponsors are matched according to the sponsor’s requirements and the student’s statement of interest.  To participate, students should attend the Externship Information Meeting held each semester.  Once a student is matched, attendance is required at an Orientation Session to facilitate contacting the sponsor and making arrangements for the visit.

When does this take place?

• Winter Externship Program for 1st and Second Year Students    January 3 – 15, 2006

Questions?

Contact Dayna De Finis at 201.216.8092 or ddefinis@stevens.edu.

Program Dates and Workshop Descriptions

Externship Information and Sign-Up Sessions

October 5, 12:00-3:00 (sessions run on the hour) or November 10, 1:00-3:00 (sessions run on the hour)

Attend one of these sessions to learn more about the Stevens Externship Program. You will receive an overview of the program as well as complete an information sheet that will help the OCD staff place you in an Externship site.

Matching Session and How to Make the Most of an Informational Interview

December 1, 5:30-7:00

Attend this session to learn where you have been placed in your Externship! You will receive all the information necessary to take the next step i.e. how to call your employer, how to set up a date and time for your Externship, how to get to your extern site, etc.

Information on how to conduct and Informational Interview will also be shared. Informational Interviewing is a technique used to talk with people who are currently working in the field to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry. You will be given a list of ideal questions that will help get the conversation started and to help you make the most of your Externship!

Conduct Externship

January 3 –15, 2006

Wrap-Up Session

January 25, 12:30 –2:00

The Office of Career Development staff wants to hear what you thought about your Externship experience. Over lunch meet with your peers and the OCD staff to share your Externship experience.