Externship Program Overview (for students)
What is an externship: *Externships vary in length, but usually last three to five days. They generally involve shadowing a professional through a normal day's activities and may include informational interviews, a tour of the facility, and participation in actual office projects, etc.
What is the difference between an internship and an externship: *Externships are short-term, offer no pay (though *some* transportation funding is available through the CDO), and are hosted by alumni volunteers in various organizations to help students gain an insider's view of a career field. Internships are longer term (a semester or summer), may involve pay and academic credit, and support an organizations work function.
Why should I do an externship: *An externship is an excellent way to learn about the day-to-day work life of a professional in a career field of your choice. It offers you the chance to "test" a career without the risk of long- term commitment and can help you get your foot in the door for a competitive internship program or job.
How does this program work: CDO matches first and second year students with alumni job shadow supervisors. Students stay three to five days with the alumnus/a and observe him/her at work as a method to not only further understand that career field but how that career fits into one’s life. This program is intended to be a jump off point for students to start exploring their career options and talking with professionals in order to: [1] clarify their career exploration and interests, [2] connect their course work to outside the classroom and their future plans, and [3] connect with and learn from alumni externship mentors.
Who can apply: First and second-year students have priority, but third and fourth years are welcome to apply as well.
* Descriptions provided from University of Arkansas, University Career Development Center Website: http://career.uark.edu/Students/Externships.aspx
