Sponsor an Extern

Cal Job Shadow Program

Berkeley Career Engagement’s Job Shadow Program allows new and underrepresented students at Cal explore their career direction by shadowing you at your workplace during Winter Break. This long standing program is offered in partnership with the Cal Alumni Association.

An Externship is an educational opportunity for students, during which they gain insightful experience in a professional environment, have the chance to explore a career area to which they might otherwise not have exposure, and build their professional network.

The Cal Job Shadow Program experience will occur January 6th-January 17th, 2025. For more information please see timeline dates below.

By hosting an Extern, you can

• Assist a Cal student (we target first year students and sophomores) with their career development
• Share your expertise and knowledge about work and careers
• Build Cal Community through relationships with Berkeley students who may someday be employees or colleagues
• Increase brand recognition and a possible pipeline for future opportunities at your organization

Who Should Participate?

• Cal Alumni

Sign up and Join?

• Yes! I want to become a mentor!

  For Alumni, Faculty and Staff with active Calnet ID

  Registration

   

• For Alumni 5 years or more post-graduation, and other participating employers and mentors

  Registration

What is an Externship (job shadow experience)?

• Job Shadows are short work experiences that place during Winter Break just prior to school returning
• They can last from one day to two weeks and be virtual, in-person or a hybrid
• Students observe the day-to-day activities of the Alumni Host and follow them on meetings, business activities, and other learning opportunities
• Students may provide very limited assistance with projects or tasks to help acquaint them with the organization
• Students do not receive academic credit or pay but are encouraged to network and build connections for future internships or jobs.

Externships By the Numbers

Over 4,250 …students have externed since 1999
94% …students who found the externship experience to have a dynamic impact on their future career plans
69% …externs who received leads for internships or employment
94% …sponsors who said they would be willing to host an extern again
2700 …participating sponsors who have made the Externship Program what it is today
24 …years the Externship Program has been connecting Cal students and alumni

Job Shadow Externship Timeline

Resources to get you started

• Tips: How to Structure a Job Shadow Externship (PDF)
• Job Shadow Externship Stipend Fund