Alumni Host Information

The Northwestern Externship Program (NEXT) is a one-day job-shadowing experience that offers students a unique opportunity to explore career paths alongside alumni. Delivered through a hybrid model, NEXT allows alumni to engage students in person, virtually, or both.

After alumni host registration concludes, students will be able to review available externships and apply. Once the application process is complete, you will be notified and invited to review and rank the student applications you received for this year’s externship program.

If matched, the selected student(s) will reach out by early January to coordinate an in-person or virtual visit. Externships should take place between the match date and the end of June. Please note that there is no guarantee that all alumni and students who register for the program will be matched.

About Our Hybrid Program

The NEXT program continues to be offered in-person and virtually. Continuing to provide virtual opportunities makes the program more accessible for students who may not be able to travel to an externship out of state or internationally and allows alumni who continue to work remotely to be able to host students. We thank you for your interest in supporting students’ career development as they consider what’s next after their time at Northwestern. The guidelines below outline how this year's program is structured and what students can expect.

Both virtual and in-person visits will start as an introductory meeting between you and the student. This initial conversation allows you to discuss your career path, industry, role overview, your experience at Northwestern, etc.

• Virtual visits may include additional meetings held within the same day or over the course of a week, offering students further insight into your role, organization, and field.
• In-person visits typically feature a full day of activities, which may include touring your workspace, meeting colleagues, attending meetings, and participating in other experiences permitted by your organization would allow them to participate in while they are on the premises.