Need More Experience? Try an Externship

Perhaps you are a recent graduate without professional experience, or you may be a seasoned worker who is currently unemployed and seeking a career change.  In either case, the lack of specific work experience can pose a challenge, especially in a tough job market.  Many candidates research new occupations and build work experience through externships.  

An externship is another word for job shadowing.  The purpose is to gain deeper understanding of an occupation.  In some cases with an extended externship, you can build actual job experience. Some externships last a few hours or a few days.  Extended externships may be a few hours weekly over several months.

When arranging an externship, ask for exposure to professionals so you can watch and learn. Don’t expect to receive compensation and you do not pay for the learning experience. In some cases, if you make a very good impression, it could lead to a permanent professional position or a recommendation.

Here are a few tips for externship success: 

• Clarify expectations and responsibilities upfront, including how often you will meet with your supervisor to discuss your training, externship assignments, and performance. 
• Be a sponge to soak up the knowledge. Take notes. Try to be self-sufficient, but ask questions to facilitate the learning process. 
• Be an excellent extern….prompt, timely with assignments, and courteous. 
• Build sincere relationships and ask for recommendations before the externship ends.

If you need help arranging an externship, visit to your college career development office, local chamber of commerce, or regional unemployment office for suggestions.