Sponsor an Extern - Cal Job Shadow Program

An externship is a short-term, immersive job-shadowing experience that allows students to observe professionals in their field of interest. Students gain insights into the day-to-day tasks, work environments, and skills required for a particular job or industry to help them make informed decisions about their future careers. Students are also encouraged to network and host informational interviews to deepen their experience.

The length of the experience and types of engagement and activities that take place during the externship is largely up to the discretion of the host. The Cal Job Shadow Program can last a minimum of one day, up to a maximum of two weeks. It may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid, though we encourage the experience takes place in person. Opportunities have been available in a wide variety of career fields in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, DC, and other domestic and international locations. 

Some ideas for types of activities the experience could include:

• Go on an office tour 
• Observe hands-on tasks and business activities
• Attend meetings 
• Be introduced to various technical tools, materials, and platforms 
• Learn about current or previous projects 
• May provide limited assistance with projects or tasks to help acquaint them with the work and the organization
• Network with team members, building connections for future opportunities
• Conduct informational interviews 

1. Sign up to host an extern and be a mentor. Complete a short form with professional details and availability.
2. BCE matches students and alumni/employers. Matches made based on indicated preferences and availability.
3. BCE help coordinate and confirm logistics. BCE will host onboarding and preparation calls as well as office hours. Participants have access to online resources to learn how to make the most of their experience.
4. Host your extern! BCE will be available to support if you need anything. 
5. Wrap up your experience and complete a feedback survey. 

Please note, during the winter session, juniors and seniors will be prioritized for pairings with additional special consideration in the matching process for Education Opportunity Program (EOP), Student Support Services (SSS), Transfer students, and Pell Grant recipients. 

• Both prospective hosts and students complete a form indicating their background, preferences, and availability.
• Matching will be based on a combination of factors including preferences selected by students and overlap in interests, location and background identified in program registration questions.
• You will receive an email notification once you are matched to your extern.

BCE tries their best to match as many students and hosts as possible, but depending on availability and quality of the match, not all students or mentors will be matched in each session. 

Students are responsible for all expenses related to the externship including travel, local transportation, accommodations (if any), meals, etc.

Geographic preferences can be shared in the application process.

Yes! Hosts in the past have hosted anywhere from two to five at a time. A small group is a welcomed experience for many students, helping them feel more comfortable. 

Yes, it is possible for a mentor not to be matched with a student. BCE tries their best to match as many students and hosts as possible, but depending on availability and quality of the match, not all students or mentors will be matched in each session. 

The team at Berkeley Career Engagement makes matches, introductions, hosts office hours, onboarding, and shares resources to help participants make the most of their experience. They are also available via email should any challenges arise.