What is an Extern?

An extern is an Ursinus student who spends two - five consecutive days at the workplace of an alum or friend of the College to gain practical exposure to a potential career field. Externs can be any class year. As this is an exploration program, some students will already have their career interests defined while others will not.

Who is an Extern Sponsor?

Extern sponsors are generally alumni of Ursinus, Current or Past parents of Ursinus students, and friends of the College who are interested in supporting current students by providing job shadowing experiences.

When do Externships take place?

Externships will take place between January 6-10, 2025 or January 13-17, 2025 for the winter session. An Externship lasts between two and five days. 

How is the Externship Assignment made?

UC students will view the available externships and then engage in an application process in which they indicate their preferences. Career and Post-Graduate Development matches the students to externships based on availability.

Once I am assigned an Extern, what happens next?

You will be notified via email by Career and Post-Graduate Development once an Extern has been assigned to you. In this email, you will receive information about your Extern including major, year, copies of the application materials and a resume.  Following that, Externs are expected to reach out to you over email to schedule a time to discuss the specific arrangements of the Externship Experience.

How does the Extern handle transportation and housing?

Students are responsible for all travel planning and expenses, meals and housing connected with the Externship.

How can I provide feedback about the Extern program?

Career and Post-Graduate Development will email an evaluation form following Extern week. We welcome your suggestions to help us plan for upcoming years.

What are my rights and responsibilities as an Extern Sponsor?

By volunteering to be an extern sponsor, you are making a commitment to the student(s) who you are matched with. Many students make specialized travel and accommodation plans, and it is important that there is a commitment from both the student and the sponsor. While we understand that there are life circumstances that may prevent you from being able to host an extern unexpectedly, we ask that you please communicate this promptly with the Career and Post-Graduate Development staff and the student.

You have the right not to answer any questions or requests you feel are inappropriate or confidential. You also have the right to address, with the student and/or Career and Post-Graduate Development, any behavior that is unacceptable in your workplace.

You have the responsibility to spend time with the student or arrange for the student to meet with someone else or work on a project throughout most of the day. We ask that you minimize idle time as best you can. It is not your responsibility to guess what will be most interesting to the student. The student should share with you his/her specific areas of interest to help in your planning. The student has also been instructed on appropriate workplace etiquette and has been advised to perform research on your employer prior to the Externship.

What should I do if clearances or other documentation is needed for students to extern at my organization?

If clearances or other documentation are needed for students to participate in an externship at your organization, please let the Career and Post-Graduate staff know as soon as possible. We will be able to communicate with the students early so that they can begin the process in time for the start of the externship.

Below is a sample itinerary which may be helpful in planning your externship opportunity.

Day 1

10am-11am: Informal presentation about organization possibly featuring colleagues

11:30am-12pm: Informational interview with sponsor

12pm-1pm: Lunch/break

1:00pm-2:00pm: Tour of workplace (if possible)

2:00-2:30pm: Informational interview with a colleague

2:30pm-3:00pm: Wrap up for the day with sponsor

Day 2

9:30am-10am: Coffee with sponsor about reflections on previous day

10am-11am: Informational interview with the Director for Human Resources

11am-12pm: Open discussion with HR Operations and Staff Members

12pm-1pm: Lunch with colleagues and/or other department in organization

1pm-2pm: Break

2pm-3pm: Round table discussion with current interns (if relevant)

Day 3

9:30am-10:30am: Attend a staff meeting

10:30am-11:30am: Meet with other department to learn about different division

11:30am-12:00pm: Break

12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch

1:00pm-2:00pm: From College to Career: Colleagues share journey of their college to their careers (this is a great opportunity to include other UC alum if they work at your organization)

2:00pm-3:00pm: Observe

Day 4

9am-12pm: Resume review/workshop and mock interviews with colleagues

12pm-1pm: Lunch with team

1pm-2pm: Observe meeting

2pm-3pm: Final wrap up with sponsor

Who can I contact with questions?

Please contact Samantha Harvey with questions.