SHILEY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING SPRING 2014 The Externship Process Made Easy

What is the Externship Program? The program is designed to help students make better informed career decisions A one day experience in which you shadow a professional (alum, parent or friend) with experience in an industry/career you are considering An opportunity to have questions answered, attend meetings, and possibly get involved with projects

What is the difference between and externship and an internship? An externship is a job shadow experience that is designed to explore a career field and industry Students do not receive academic credit or pay for externships. Internships are longer term (a semester or summer), may involve pay and academic credit, and support an organization’s work function.

What are the typical activities? Review an organization’s mission/vision statement and organizational charts Communicate with a variety of employees in different departments Learn about the career paths of many employees in the organization Attend meetings with employees and clients Visit different departments and learn how they work together Meet employees who recently graduated from college to hear their perspective Speak with HR representatives about recruiting and hiring practices Learn what skills, qualifications, and education are applicable to the host’s career Work on short-term projects (not filing or copying) Tour the workplace

Why participate in the Externship program? Learn more about industries and careers in order to clarify career choices Gain opportunities for informational interviewing and networking Network for internships and jobs

What are the student requirements? Students are responsible for all expenses related to the Externship, including travel, accommodations (if any), meals, etc. Students must commit to the experience and attend a required orientation session. Students must also be able to commit to the full length and date indicated.

Where and When Do the Externships take place? Scheduled for a day during spring break (March , 2014) Host will select preferred day/date Externship will take place in the Portland metropolitan area  Other locations may be possible; will be on a case by case basis

How do I apply? Application information can be found on Career Services website following fall break Students must submit an application, resume, and essay via to Career Services at no later than Friday, December 20, Sample Essay Questions  Why are you interested in doing an Externship?  What do you hope to gain from the experience?  How do you plan to prepare for and make the most of your Externship?

What is the timeline? Friday, December 20, Application deadline Week of February 24 – 28 – Required orientation session (times will be announced once placements have been made) Week of March – Required orientation session (times will be announced once placements have been made) Week of March – Externship experience