Northwestern Externship Program (NEXT)
This one-day shadowing program offers current Northwestern students the opportunity to accompany alumni on the job in order to learn more about different professional fields. Students spend time observing and often working alongside their alumni hosts in order to gain insight into the practical aspects of potential careers.
Students who participate in the NEXT program will (or will be able to):
- Use online resources to research career paths and/or organizations prior to their externship.
- List three things they can do to prepare for an externship.
- Formulate at least five open-ended questions to ask their alumni during their externship.
- List the typical duties associated with the job of the alumni they shadowed.
- Describe the skills/qualities needed to be successful in the job of the alumni they shadowed.
- Articulate the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a career in the industry they learned about through shadowing in light of their personal skills, interests, and goals.
For Alumni Hosts
Alumni registration opens in October each year. Externships can be hosted in person or virtually and we welcome alumni hosts from all over the United States and abroad. For additional details and dates, please visit our main program website.
Alumni with questions or interest in hosting next year, please contact next@northwestern.edu.
For Students
Student registration opens up in October or November each year. As a participating student, you are able to search available externships by company, location, and/or professional fields. To apply, you’ll need to submit a personal statement and anonymous resume for each externship opportunity. Only current, degree-seeking Northwestern students are eligible. For additional details and dates, please visit our main program website.
Student questions? Contact next.student@northwestern.edu.
NEXT is cosponsored by the Northwestern Alumni Association and Northwestern Career Advancement.