Externship Program
The Undergraduate Center for Career Development is proud to offer Babson College’s Externship Program, offered to all first year, sophomore and junior undergraduate students every January. An externship or job-shadowing experience can last anywhere from one to five days. The goal is to provide students with an opportunity to observe professionals on the job and gain an understanding of a career or industry in an informative environment. It also encourages students, alumni, and organizations to maintain valuable connections in a shared experience. The Externship Program is not for academic credit and students are not compensated, but the experience will be greatly beneficial to both the students and sponsors.
Overview
- Noncredit experience
- Students will not be graded
- There is no fee for participation
- Administered by the Undergraduate Center for Career Development
Student Criteria for Selection and Participation
The Undergraduate Center for Career Development's goal is to place all interested students. However, due to the limited number of externships available, you may not be placed in an externship right away. Students will be selected for an externship on the basis of the quality of their resume and the connection between the host criteria including opportunity and location (as disclosed in application survey). Students do not need to show expertise or experience in a field, but must show sincere interest about the field as a possible career option.
The criteria for selection are as follows:
- Applicant must be a current Babson student in good academic standing.
- Applicants must complete online survey application.
- This includes logistics and brief response questions.
- All applicants must submit via Babson Career Connections an updated resume.
Typical Activities of an Externship
- Sit in on company staff meetings
- Complete office tasks or assist with projects
- Conduct informational interviews of both professional and administrative staff
- Observe client interactions
- Observe functions and duties of a particular career
- Tour the facilities
- Review organization’s mission/vision statement and organizational charts
- Understand office policies and procedures
- Review current trends in the profession
- Explore potential career paths within the organization and the profession
- Meet with key players of the organization
General Tips for Participation in Externship Program
- It is mandatory that all externship matches attend an orientation session.
- Remember that placement is not guaranteed, you may also seek out your own host employer to participate in the experience.
- Recognize you as the student are responsible for all costs associated, this may include transportation and accommodations as relevant.
- Be sure that your resume is polished. Remember, first impressions are lasting so make sure that you are presentable throughout the experience.
- Fill out application completely and clearly. Describe your interest in acquiring an externship.
- You will be required to complete an evaluation at the conclusion of the experience.
Application
The January 2013 Externship Application is two parts: completing an online survey application and applying via Babson Career Connections.
- Online Survey Application (includes logistics and brief essay questions): How will participating in this externship experience support your career development? What do you hope to gain from this experience?
- Apply via Babson Career Connections with an updated resume: Search Spring Internship > Externship January 2013.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Winter 2013 Externship Program is November 9, 2012.
Questions to Pose to Sponsors in an Externship
- What are the major divisions of your organization? Where does your division fit in?
- What do you do during a typical work week/day?
- What skills/abilities/attributes are most important in your work?
- How did you enter this field? What preparations (college major, training, other work experiences) would you suggest for someone interested in entering this field?
- What other career areas are related to your work?
- What are the areas of growth and decline in this career field?
- What are the most significant problems you face in your specific job, department, or organization? To respond to these problems, what attributes do you seek in people you hire?
- What is the average beginning salary for a person entering this career field?
- Do employees have the opportunity for advancement within your organization? If so, how often is typical?
- How much flexibility does one typically have regarding: innovation, self-expression, hours of work, lifestyle, decision making (authority), and feedback? Do employees work overtime regularly?
- What percentage of time do you spend in interaction with people (staff and clients)? Working independently? Working with a team?
- Must someone in your field expect to be moved about often during his/her career (within the company and geographically)?
- Can you name any relevant magazines, journals, or publications that you would recommend I review?
- Do you have any advice for me?
Current Timeline for Externship Program
Externship Application due (for students) |
November 9, 2012 |
| Externship Decision Made |
Early December |
| Externship Orientation Session |
Early December |
| Externship Period |
January 2013 |