Hosting a Successful Externship Career and Professional Development Ursinus College career@ursinus.edu Being an Extern Sponsor is a fantastic way to connect with an Ursinus student. The program is an easy and fun way to give a student a glimpse into life after UC. It was a pleasure to spend the week with such an enthusiastic student.
Who are the Externs? Students of all majors participate and may be sophomores, juniors, or seniors. This is a career exploration activity. Many Externs do not have solidly formed ideas about careers. Students are assigned to externships based on their preferences and interests. Externs understand the value of learning by doing.
Who is MY Extern? You will receive an email from Career and Professional Development including the resume and application materials of your Extern in early November. Get to know your Extern through phone and email exchanges prior to the Externship. Plan an Externship based on the conversations you have with your Extern. I am very pleased to be participating in the UC extern program. The extern gains valuable insights that help shape their career planning and decision-making. Exposure is key. I also experience a sense of gratification knowing that I am able to shed light on career coaching and life planning to better prepare a UC student to make the right choices moving forward. Excellent experience all around.
What do I do with my Extern? Have a basic itinerary developed prior to Thanksgiving. Modify this itinerary as necessary after talking with your Extern. Externs enjoy meeting with a variety of people in your organization, especially employees in entrylevel positions and other alumni if applicable. Small projects provide Externs with a sense of accomplishment.
What do I do with my Extern Part II Share your own story how did your Ursinus experience lead you to your career? Externs like to be on the move, give them the opportunity to see a variety of activities. Don t sugar coat what you do Externs need to know the realities of a career (like doing your own copying!) Provide ample time for questions and answers.
Sample Itinerary DAY 1 9-10am Student arrival and introductions 10-11am Tour of workplace 11am-12:30pm Shadow host, learn about typical job duties 12:30-1:30pm Lunch with host and other UC alumni or colleagues working at the organization 1:30-3:30pm Observe client meeting, court proceedings, medical procedures etc. (depends on host career) 3:30-4:30pm Shadow another alumnus or colleague at the organization 4:30-5pm Wrap-up with host, time for Q & A DAY 2 9-9:30am Student arrival and settling in 9:30-11:30am Shadow younger employees at the employer who are currently in entry level positions 11:30am-12:30pm Meet with Human Resources to learn about employer job and internship opportunities 12:30-2pm Lunch with host and his/her team 2-3:30pm Observe client meeting, court proceedings, medical procedures etc. (depends on host career) 3:30-4:30pm Additional observation time with host, discussion of host s career path 4:30-5pm Wrap-up with host
How do I help my Extern Prepare? Provide your Extern with information (electronic and/or print) about your organization. Give the Extern guidelines for dress and other etiquette rules of your workplace. Provide a detailed itinerary including directions to your workplace. I had a wonderful time hosting two Ursinus externs at GAO. They represented the best and brightest that Ursinus has to offer, and made a strong impression on everyone they met.
How does Career and Professional Development help the Externs Prepare? All Externs attend a mandatory Orientation. Orientation covers etiquette, professional behavior and dress, guidelines for communicating with the host, and other program specifics. Each extern will have a Career Advisor as their mentor. Externs are told to make their initial contact with their Extern Sponsor between Tuesday November 10 and Thursday November 19.
Where will my Extern Stay? Externs make their own arrangements for housing but appreciate your advice on lodging options and local transportation in your area. Externs are responsible for their own transportation. (Name of student) was the second extern we hosted. Just as I was impressed with the extern for 2014, I was impressed with him. He was an exceptional writer, very skilled in research and very quick to learn the communication strategies we deploy in this office. Ursinus clearly prepares students for these types of experiences. We were very impressed.
What if I have to Cancel? Contact your Extern right away. Contact Sharon Hansen in Career and Professional Development at shansen@ursinus.edu or 610-409-3599 I love that you are supporting current students and encouraging them to focus on life after UC! The Externship Program is something that I wish was available to me as an undergraduate. I think it really helps put great context around what life will be like in a professional environment.
What Happens after the Externship? Complete an online program evaluation (link will be emailed to you). If applicable, follow up with the student on any potential internship or full-time opportunities at your organization. Send any quotes and photos to Sharon Hansen for use in future publications (website, newsletters, etc).
In What Other Ways Can I help Ursinus Students? Continue to be available to share information and Career Advice with students. Provide an internship or information about available internships at your organization. Participate in alumni panels and networking events hosted by Career and Professional Development. Facilitate a recruiting relationship between your employer and Ursinus. Contact Career and Professional Development to discuss how you want to help!