Program Resources

Explore curated resources including guides, templates, and activities designed to support the Northwestern Externship (NEXT) program experience.

For Student Externs

NEXT Student Orientation 2026
Looking for a quick refresher on the presentation you viewed during registration? Review the student orientation slide for key reminders and helpful tips.

Introductory Email
For students participating in a virtual externship, this guide outlines what to include in your first message to your host after matching.

NEXT Student Training Session
Use the PowerPoint presentation from the NEXT Student Training Session, developed by the NAA and NCA, to gain a better understanding of how to prepare for your virtual externship.

Career Exploration
Questions to Ask Your Host Ready to dive deeper into exploring potential career paths? Use this handout to guide meaningful conversations with your host about career fit, preparation for a specific industry, and more.

For Alumni Hosts

Sample In-Person Externship Itineraries
Curious what an in-person externship could look like? Check out these sample itineraries for how an externship day can be scheduled.

Sample Virtual Externship Itineraries
Curious what a virtual externship could look like? Check out these sample itineraries of how a virtual externship day can be scheduled.

NEXT Ice Breakers
Not sure what to talk about during your virtual externship? Use this set of questions to help break the ice!