Externship

How to Get an Externship: Essential Steps for Beginners

An externship is an experiential learning opportunity that allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study through shadowing professionals in a workplace setting. Derived from Latin “externus” and English “-ship,” the term has been in use since 1905. Externships function as training programs that are part of an educational institution’s course of study and are taken in private businesses.

Unlike traditional classroom learning, externships provide hands-on experience that bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world application. They are structured programs designed to give students insight into specific professional roles without necessarily performing entry-level work. Additionally, externships are valuable resources for students planning to enter the workforce shortly after graduation, as they can provide entry-level experience on a resume, making them more competitive candidates.

Externships typically occur during the school year as part of a student’s curriculum. They offer an experiential learning environment that provides real-world exposure to the theoretical topics students learn in their courses. Most externships last for much shorter periods than internships—often just a few days or weeks rather than months. This brevity makes them ideal for career exploration without a long-term commitment.

The primary purpose of an externship is observation and learning rather than work production. Externs might:

• Help professionals perform everyday work tasks
• Sit in on team meetings
• Listen to professionals speaking with clients or customers
• Tour the company and learn about key leaders

Externships are offered across various professional sectors. In medicine, externships provide clinical experience for students. In law, they usually refer to rigorous legal work opportunities undertaken by law students for law school credit, similar to that of a junior attorney. Furthermore, corporate settings, non-profit organizations, and technology companies also offer externship programs to help students gain industry-specific knowledge.

Most students complete externships for experience rather than compensation. If payment is offered, the amount is typically negligible. The true value lies in the opportunity to learn in a prospective professional setting and confirm they are on the right career path. Sharon Belden Castonguay, executive director of Wesleyan University’s career center, describes externships as “a great way to test drive an emerging interest without a longer commitment”.

Externships function much like extended informational interviews. They allow students to explore potential career paths before fully committing to them. This exploration aspect makes externships particularly beneficial for college students who are deciding on a major or considering various career options. Through direct observation and limited participation, externs gain valuable insights that help inform their educational and professional decisions.

Ultimately, an externship serves as a preview of professional life in a specific field, providing students with practical context for their academic studies while simultaneously enhancing their resumes with relevant experience.

Difference between Externship and Internship

Externships and internships represent distinct professional learning experiences despite their similar names. The primary distinction lies in their structure and purpose. Whereas internships function more like entry-level jobs with hands-on responsibilities, externships typically involve shadowing professionals without completing actual job tasks.

Duration represents one of the most significant differences between these opportunities. Internships generally last several months to a year, often spanning an entire semester or summer. Conversely, externships are considerably shorter, ranging from a single day to several weeks. This brevity makes externships particularly suitable for students exploring career options during short academic breaks.

Regarding responsibilities, interns take on professional duties and gain hands-on experience by completing assigned tasks and projects. They actively contribute to the organization’s objectives and may work on meaningful projects with their assigned teams. Externships, however, primarily involve observation—participants shadow professionals, attend meetings, and observe daily operations without direct involvement in decision-making or project execution.

Compensation structures also differ significantly. According to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, just under 60% of internships were paid for the class of 2023. Externships, predominantly unpaid due to their observational nature and short duration, focus on learning rather than work production.

Both experiences offer educational value, albeit differently. Internships often align with formal education programs, potentially providing academic credit toward graduation requirements. Educational institutions may encourage or require internship completion before graduation. Although externships provide valuable learning experiences, they less frequently count toward academic credit, primarily due to their abbreviated timeframe.

The career impact of these experiences varies as well. Approximately 70% of interns receive job offers from their host companies. Additionally, the class of 2021 received an average of 0.83 job offers per student, with paid interns receiving 1.12 offers compared to 0.64 for those without internship experience. Though externships typically offer a less direct path to employment, they help professionals identify potential career paths or courses of study to pursue.

The application processes reflect these structural differences. Internships often involve formal application procedures including interviews, resumes, and references. Externship applications tend to be less formal, with selection based primarily on interest and availability for the program.

Both experiences should appear on resumes and provide networking opportunities. Internships demonstrate hands-on experience within an industry, whereas externships show behind-the-scenes knowledge of specific professions. For career exploration, externships offer efficient exposure without lengthy commitments, functioning essentially as extended informational interviews.

Despite their differences, both internships and externships benefit students tremendously. Participation in multiple such experiences during college significantly increases the likelihood of securing employment or entering graduate school within six months of graduation.

Types of Externship Programs

Externship programs exist across numerous industries, enabling students to explore specific career paths firsthand. These structured learning opportunities vary substantially in their focus, duration, and activities based on the host organization and field of study. Primarily designed as observational experiences, each type offers unique insights into professional environments.

Corporate Externships

Corporate externships introduce participants to the business world, providing exposure to various departments including marketing, finance, human resources, and information technology. These programs enable students to observe how large companies operate and determine whether a corporate career aligns with their interests. Corporate externs often attend strategy meetings, review business agreements, and observe negotiations between parent companies and subsidiaries. Some programs, like Extern.com’s corporate partnerships, allow participants to work on real projects that demonstrate business impact suitable for inclusion on resumes.

Healthcare Externships

Healthcare externships range from shadowing doctors and nurses to observing hospital administrative operations. Medical externs perform supervised patient care activities such as checking vital signs, drawing blood, setting up equipment, and providing patients with emotional and physical support. These programs help students become familiar with hospital settings, encourage interactions between physicians and other care providers, and strengthen self-confidence in clinical settings. Healthcare externships typically place participants in diverse environments—from small clinics to large hospitals—giving students comprehensive exposure to the field.

Legal Externships

Legal externships predominantly fall into three categories:

• Judicial externships with courts and judges
• Law firm placements
• Public advocacy and government positions

Law schools frequently offer these opportunities to help students leverage their legal education through practical application. Legal externs perform supervised work similar to junior attorneys, including reviewing and negotiating agreements, researching legal issues, and attending strategy meetings. The experience helps students determine their preferred area of practice while developing skills that strengthen their professional applications. Many prestigious institutions place students with government agencies, Capitol Hill offices, and nonprofit organizations to provide hands-on experience in policy formulation.

Non-Profit Externships

Non-profit externships offer insight into charitable organizations’ operations, including fundraising, community outreach, and social services delivery. These placements connect students with organizations addressing social issues, environmental concerns, and community development. Participants gain understanding of the unique challenges non-profits face while developing skills in advocacy, resource management, and stakeholder engagement. Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, Legal Aid Society, and the World Organization for Human Rights frequently host externs interested in social justice.

Technology Externships

Technology externships involve shadowing software developers, network administrators, data analysts, and other tech professionals. These programs introduce participants to cutting-edge technologies without requiring long-term employment commitments. Tech externs often engage with industry-standard tools, observe development processes, and participate in project discussions. Moreover, through externship programs like those offered by Extern.com, students develop practical technology skills, including experience with generative AI tools and data analysis techniques applied to real business challenges.

Why Do an Externship?

Participating in an externship delivers substantial benefits for career development and professional growth. Externships serve as an ideal platform for exploring potential career paths without the long-term commitment of an internship or job. These programs enable participants to assess whether specific positions or companies align with their interests and skills.

Externships function as valuable testing grounds for emerging career interests. Sharon Belden Castonguay, executive director of Wesleyan University’s career center, describes them as “a great way to test drive an emerging interest without a longer commitment.” This exploration aspect proves especially beneficial for students in the early stages of their professional journey who need clarity about future directions.

Through externships, participants gain direct exposure to real-world work environments. This practical experience helps bridge the skills gap between theoretical classroom knowledge and professional application. Many externship programs provide participants with hands-on practice opportunities, allowing them to demonstrate and apply what they’ve learned in an actual workplace setting.

The development of employability skills represents another crucial benefit. Externships foster improvement in:

• Communication abilities through professional interactions
• Time management through structured schedules
• Attention to detail in completing tasks
• Problem-solving skills in workplace scenarios
• Adaptability in diverse professional environments

Notably, externships offer outstanding networking potential. Participants connect with professionals in their field of interest, creating relationships that may lead to mentorship, recommendations, or future job opportunities. Indeed, 94% of employees stated they would remain with their company longer if it invested in their career development, highlighting the perceived value of such professional connections.

Externships typically require minimal time investment—ranging from a few days to several weeks—yet provide maximum exposure. This brevity makes them accessible even to individuals with busy schedules. The programs can be completed while in school, working full-time, during summer internships, or even on vacation.

Furthermore, externships enhance resume building. Adding externship experiences demonstrates initiative in gaining practical knowledge, making candidates more attractive to potential employers. Nearly half of externs have subsequently landed jobs or internships with Fortune 1000 companies, validating the career advancement potential of these programs.

For those considering career changes, externships provide valuable insights into new fields without requiring substantial commitment. They offer opportunities to identify necessary skills and knowledge for specific industries, enabling focused preparation for future career moves.

Externships likewise facilitate workplace culture assessment. By observing professionals in various settings, participants gain understanding of different organizational environments. This insight proves invaluable when determining personal preferences regarding workplace dynamics.

Ultimately, externships address the common employment paradox—needing experience to get experience. As reported by extern.com, “It takes experience to get experience, so having an externship (or a few!) on your resume could be just what you need to catch the eye of a recruiter”. This practical exposure constitutes a strategic stepping stone toward professional objectives.

How to Get an Externship: 6 Essential Steps

Securing an externship requires strategic preparation and proactive steps. For students and professionals looking to gain valuable exposure in their desired field, following these six essential steps can significantly increase chances of landing a beneficial externship opportunity.

1. Identify your career interests

Discovering your career interests is fundamental before beginning your externship search. Career interests represent your preferences for certain types of work and environments. Understanding these inclinations enables you to make informed decisions about where to focus your efforts. Start by reflecting on aspects you enjoyed in previous roles and acknowledging elements that held less appeal. This retrospective analysis helps identify interests through process of elimination. Additionally, consider exploring the 19 common career interest categories, ranging from administration and scientific research to technology and entrepreneurship, to determine which fields align with your skills and aspirations.

2. Research externship opportunities

After clarifying your interests, thoroughly investigate available externship options. Many educational institutions offer programs connecting students with alumni for shadowing experiences. Likewise, numerous companies provide structured externship programs. Examine both your school’s career center resources and company websites for current opportunities. Unlike internships that primarily occur during summer, externships often run during winter breaks between semesters. Prioritize programs aligning with your career goals to maximize the experience’s value for your professional development.

3. Reach out to your network or school

Because externships tend to be less formal than internships, personal connections frequently facilitate placement. Utilize your existing network to identify professionals in your field of interest who might allow shadowing. This approach might involve asking friends to connect you with relatives working in relevant industries or requesting professors to recommend contacts. When reaching out via email or LinkedIn, focus initially on learning more about their work before inquiring about externship possibilities.

4. Prepare your CV and cover letter

A well-crafted Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter significantly enhance your externship application. When preparing your cover letter:

• Specify the exact position you’re applying for
• Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description
• Include applicable coursework if you have limited work experience
• Highlight skills that align with the externship requirements

Your cover letter should explain why you’re a good fit for the position and describe what you hope to gain from the experience. Before submission, carefully proofread for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors.

5. Apply and follow up

The application process for externships typically involves less rigorous screening than internships require. Nevertheless, review all requirements carefully, as some programs restrict eligibility to specific class years or academic majors. When applying through formal channels, submit your materials according to instructions and follow up appropriately. For positions with selective processes, prepare for possible video submissions or interviews. After applying, maintain contact with your prospective host to demonstrate continued interest.

6. Be flexible with timing and format

Flexibility regarding scheduling and format improves your chances of securing an externship. Most programs offer rolling start dates and fill positions on a first-come, first-served basis. Externships typically require 10-15 hours weekly over 2-8 weeks and are designed to accommodate busy schedules. Many are fully remote with asynchronous work, making them compatible with school, full-time employment, or other commitments. This adaptability allows you to gain valuable experience regardless of your current obligations.

Can an Externship Help You Get Hired?

Externships demonstrably enhance employment prospects through multiple pathways. Research indicates that applicants with internship experience have a 12.6% higher probability of being invited to job interviews. Given the similarities between externships and internships in providing practical experience, externships similarly boost candidate attractiveness to potential employers.

Externships effectively function as extended professional auditions. Active participation during these programs increases the likelihood of receiving job offers, as employers gain firsthand appreciation of your capabilities and contributions. By asking thoughtful questions and assisting with workplace tasks, externs demonstrate initiative that resonates with hiring managers.

Career clarity constitutes yet another employment advantage. Through externship experiences, participants identify suitable specializations within broader fields. This targeted focus enables more strategic job searches and preparation. Consequently, externs develop deeper understanding of industry standards and position themselves as ideal candidates for specific roles.

Externships frequently evolve into valuable professional relationships. These connections often lead to mentorships, internships, or direct job referrals. The networks established during externships expand professional circles and foster communication skills essential in workplace environments.

Additionally, externships function as resume strengtheners. Including externship experiences demonstrates commitment to gaining practical knowledge in chosen fields. For employers comparing candidates with similar educational backgrounds, this practical exposure often proves decisive.

Even without direct job offers, externships provide critical insights into organizational cultures and work environments. This understanding helps candidates make informed decisions about potential employers, resulting in better job matches and increased satisfaction.

Key Takeaways

Externships offer a strategic pathway to career exploration and professional development through short-term, observation-based learning experiences that bridge academic theory with real-world practice.

• Start with self-reflection: Identify your career interests before searching to focus efforts on relevant opportunities that align with your goals.

• Leverage your network: Reach out to professors, alumni, and personal connections since externships are often less formal than internships and rely on relationships.

• Be flexible with timing: Most externships last 2-8 weeks with 10-15 hours weekly commitment and offer rolling admissions on first-come basis.

• Focus on observation and learning: Unlike internships, externships emphasize shadowing professionals and attending meetings rather than completing job tasks.

• Maximize networking potential: Build professional relationships during your externship as 94% of employees value career development investments from companies.

• Enhance your employability: Externship experience increases interview invitations by 12.6% and helps you stand out among candidates with similar educational backgrounds.

Externships serve as low-commitment “test drives” for career exploration while providing valuable resume experience and professional connections that can lead to future opportunities.

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