SUMMER 2013 Externships/Job Shadowing Program

What is an Externship?

An externship or job shadowing experience is an opportunity for a student to engage in practice based learning by actively participating in a field of interest. It is very similar to an internship but is generally of a very short duration. Externships and job shadowing experiences are generally not done for academic credit and such experiences are unpaid.

Externship/Job Shadowing Program Participator

Students who participate in the Externship/Job Shadowing Program are able to receive a firsthand look at the workplace in a career of their choice, make valuable networking contacts and have the opportunity to see how classroom learning can be applied to real world situations.

In an externship, the student typically trails an experience member of an organization or company while he or she performs daily tasks. The externship gives the student a taste of a potential career. The primary goal of this program is to provide students with a structured, hands-on opportunity to experience the “world of work,” without the longer term commitment of an internship or job.

Through exposure to a work setting, students can learn more about job requirements, employer expectations, and professionalism. Students also benefit by finding out more about current and future internship and job openings.

Possible externship/job shadowing activities

• Tour the facility
• Sit in on staff meetings
• Observe customer/client interactions, if applicable
• Conduct informational interviews with colleagues and/or key staff members
• Assist with projects or general office tasks
• Overview of company mission and procedures
• Visit with the Human Resources Department and/or meet with recruiters
• Introduce extern to a new employee to give him/her a “fresh perspective”
• Meet with any UTPA Alumni who work at the organization
• Provide marketing materials about company/organization for student
• Demonstrate industry-specific software or tools

The Externship/Job Shadowing program will take place during the August 23-27, 2010. Sponsoring organizations may host externs for 2-5 days during the break. Students may also choose to arrange an externship experience on their own at a different time of the year.

Eligibility

• UTPA undergraduate students; students in their sophomore year are especially encouraged to participate.
• Students must have completed at least one semester at UTPA and have at least a 2.0 overall GPA.
• Participants must be currently registered students at UTPA.
• Students must be registered with the Office of Career Services and have an active Bronc Career Connection account to participate.

Points to Consider

Once a student accepts an externship position, the student is committed. The student is expected to complete the externship assignment. Do not apply for externships in which you do not have genuine interest or which you will not be able to complete.

You are required to attend an orientation meeting prior to the externship and will complete a follow-up evaluation post externship.

An externship is an unpaid and non-credit volunteer experience. You will not receive compensation or reimbursement for travel expenses.

Timeline

• Date - TBD: Externship applications available for students
• Date: TBD: Student Applications due
• Date: TBD: Students receive notification of externship acceptance. (Placement determinations are made by sponsor selection or Career Services, based on completed submitted student resumes and applications.)
• Date: TBD: Mandatory Externship/Job Shadowing Orientation
• Date: TBD: Externships take place
• Date: TBD: Thank you messages are to be sent to employers
• Date: TBD: Externship surveys due

Position Openings and Applications

Please review the list of Externship/Job Shadowing Sponsors below to determine which you are interested in. Then, fill out the application form in its entirety, including ranking your top externship placement choices and return the application form to Career Services. Methods for returning the application include email, fax, or in-person.

PLEASE NOTE: Try to include 3 choices for possible externship placements, however DO NOT include a choice on your list that you are not willing to commit to if assigned. Every effort will be made to match you to your top choice, but sponsors have the final say in most cases.

Points to remember:

• Externship/Job Shadowing will occur during the week of (Date is Pending).
• Applications are due by assigned due date. Late applications will not be accepted.
• Your application is not complete unless it is accompanied by an updated copy of your resume.
• Failure to submit a complete application will terminate your opportunity to participate with the externship program.
• There are a limited number of externship spots available. Not all students who apply will be matched to a spot. Sponsors make the final decisions in most cases.
• Submitting your application confirms that you are COMMITTED to accepting a position if assigned.
• Selections will be completed and students will be notified if they have been selected.
• You will be required to attend an orientation session if selected for an externship.

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013 EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM WILL BE AVAILABLE
DATE: TBD.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: DATE: TBD

If you have questions about the Externship/Job Shadowing Program or about the application process, please contact Career Services at 665-2243.