NEXT (Northwestern Externship Program) -- Student FAQs
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What is an externship?
The NEXT externship 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 insight into the practical aspects of their potential future careers.
Why should I participate in the externship program?
An externship is a great way to learn about the day-to-day work life of a professional in a career field of your choice. The externship program offers you the chance to "test" a career without risk of a long-term commitment. It can also help you get your foot in the door for a competitive internship program or job.
What do externs do?
It depends on the host and their field of work. You 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.)
How many externships can I do?
You may only participate in one externship per academic year.
How long is an externship?
It will last one day and must be completed between March 23rd and April 23rd.
Will housing, transportation, or meals be provided?
No. You are responsible for all of the above.
Will I get paid for externship work?
The externship is an unpaid position. Students are expected to find their own housing and travel arrangements and do not receive academic credit.
Where do I find a list of externship hosts and how do I apply?
A link to the web page and registration will be posted here beginning on January 12, 2009.
Search for an externship host by location and/or professional fields. Then, apply online.
If I apply, am I guaranteed an externship?
Although externship assignments are not guaranteed, all Northwestern undergraduates are encouraged to apply. Participating in an externship depends on the availability of the host that you have chosen and their ranking of your essay and resume (rankings are determined by what the host believes to be the best fit).
What happens after I apply?
After your externship application has been submitted online, it will be forwarded to your host, along with other submissions for that specific position. The NEXT host will rank the top 5 students who would appear to benefit the most from the specific externship experience. Once we match you with a host, we will notify you and ask you to come in for orientation.
What is the selection process?
To participate in the externship program, students must submit an online statement of why they would benefit the most from a specific NEXT opportunity, as well as their resume. The host will then choose the top 5 students that they feel would benefit the most from working with them. Once the host submits his/her top 5 choices to the NAA, the students are matched with them. When all matches have been made, the host and student will be sent each other’s e-mail addresses. It is then the student’s responsibility to contact the host and to complete a brief training session on the Northwestern campus.
Should I consider the alumni host to be a potential employer?
Keep in mind that the NEXT program is not about getting a job or internship out of your experience. It is permissible, however to inquire about internship opportunities the organization may offer. If your alumni host asks for your resume and/or inquires about your internship or plans after graduation, feel free to share such information.
What happens if I am not matched?
If you are not matched with an externship host, there are still many opportunities for you to connect with alumni. Join the Northwestern LinkedIn Group, the premier professional networking service where you can network and seek career advice from thousands of NU alumni. You can also connect with alumni via Northwestern CareerNet, an online networking tool containing alumni who want to share their career knowledge and expertise.
In addition, please visit University Career Services for information on student resources, events, and career opportunities.
Questions? E-mail next@alumni.northwestern.edu or call (847) 491-5648.
