Externship Program - General Information

Timeline

The Externship Program offers opportunities for Cal freshmen and sophomores to shadow alumni in the workplace.

What is an externship?

An externship is a chance for you to get an insider’s view of a career field by shadowing Cal alumni in their workplaces for a day to a week during Winter Break. You can find out what it’s like to be a public defender, TV producer, doctor, architect, engineer, teacher, CEO, social worker, writer, scientist, consultant, attorney, IT analyst, professor, youth center director, financial advisor, etc. Observe the day-to-day activities of your Cal alumni sponsor, discuss specific jobs and careers with alumni and their colleagues, and sometimes obtain limited hands-on experience. Externships are available in various career fields (primarily business and nonprofits) in the San Francisco Bay, Los Angeles, New York, and areas around Washington, DC.

Students do not receive academic credit or pay for externships.
Students are responsible for their own expenses and for arranging their own housing and transportation.

How can an externship benefit you?

Explore a career field.
Experience the workplace up close and personal.
Learn how to apply your academic major through discussions with a professional who has a similar background
Assess your "fit" for a particular position or organization
Make career connections and begin establishing your alumni network

Who is eligible to apply?

Cal freshmen and sophomores are eligible to apply.

What is the selection process?

Students who are selected will be matched with one externship position according to interest and availability.

How to apply?

Listings will be available in mid-October 2008.

For help writing a resume or to see sample resumes

See the resume guidelines.
Have your resume critiqued during a Mini-Appointment in the Info Lab, Room 212.

If you have questions, please contact the Externships Office.

Back to Externships Home