NEXT (Northwestern Externship Program) -- Alumni Host FAQs
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What is an externship?
The NEXT program provides students an opportunity to see firsthand what it is like to be a professional in a career they are interested in pursuing. Students spend time observing and often working with employers in order to gain some insight into the practical aspects of their potential future careers.
What should I expect from a student extern?
The Host should expect the student to show up on time, be dressed appropriately and be ready to spend the day learning, observing and asking questions. Since the program is designed to provide students exposure to a field, it is unlikely that the student will have relevant job experience. Hosts should keep in mind that the student extern is not a “temp” and therefore should not simply be assigned to clerical tasks throughout the entire day.
What do externs do?
It depends on the Host and their field of work. Students may:
- take a tour
- conduct informational interviews with people in various specializations and at different levels
- review company literature
- sit in on staff meetings
- help with tasks
- ask questions about the field, the organization, training, and curriculum necessary to enter the field
- assist with actual office projects (research, report writing, etc.)
Am I expected to reimburse the students in any way?
The externship is an unpaid position. Students are expected to find their own housing and travel arrangements and do not receive academic credit.
If I volunteer, am I guaranteed a student?
Pairing with a student for an externship is not guaranteed due to the number of variable factors that go into selection and matching. However, if you are not matched with a student extern, there are still many valuable ways for you to offer career guidance to and interact with current Northwestern students. Contact the NAA, go to Northwestern CareerNet, or visit University Career Services.
What is the selection process?
After your externship application has been submitted online, it will be available for students to view. Students can sort through externship opportunities by career field or externship location. Only your externship description, city and state will be listed for students to see. The students will then submit application essays and resumes for the externships they are interested in. We will email you a link to view these applications beginning February 2nd. You will then submit your top five choices to us by February 12, and we will match you with however many students you have volunteered to host. Once all matches are finalized, we will send the hosts and the students each other’s e-mail contact information. Students will be responsible for contacting the Host.
How long is an externship?
It will last one day and must be completed between March 22nd and April 22nd.
Must I consider the student to be a potential employee?
No. The NEXT program is not about hiring students for a job or internship. It is permissible, however, if you are impressed with your student, to inquire about their interest in any internships or jobs that your organization may offer. The Host may keep in contact with the extern after the externship is over.
How do I register for the program?
Click here to register online. Please note: We are using new software to manage the NEXT program this year. In order to register you will have to create an account, which you will be prompted to do when you click on the registration link. The information you enter will be used for NEXT purposes only. Registration will be open through January 5, 2010.
Questions? E-mail next@alumni.northwestern.edu or call (847) 491-5648.
