Volunteer for oUR Externship Program

What is the Summer Externship Program?

This program, open only to University of Rochester first- and second-year students, provides an opportunity to learn about a career of interest through a shadowing experience. Students who are accepted into the program are matched with an alum or professional who is currently employed in the student's field of interest & location. This one or two-day shadowing experience allows students to get an up-close look at a professional, observing a mentor's typical day and initiating career conversations with mentors and others. This experience enables students to focus on career interests while nurturing contacts for future internship and job search efforts!

One of the most important messages I acquired from this experience is a deeper passion for medical research. Now, I feel that I am ready to tackle my “MD/PhD career goal”. Overall, it was my best experience so far in college. I also want to thank the Career Center for their generous effort to provide me this offer. ~Joseph Point DuJour (‘07)

I wanted to thank you for setting up this externship, I do feel it helped me better understand the career options available in the field of education. ~Pricilla Egan (’07)

Thanks again for the externship. It was one of the most helpful programs I've ever taken part in. ~Brielle Welzer (‘06)

I had SUCH a great experience today, thank you so much for contacting [the mentor]! ~Zoe Kaczmierski (’06)

Thank you very much for setting up my externship and for all the work you did. I had a good time and learned a lot. I really appreciate and enjoyed the opportunity. ~Elyse Wrona (‘07)

How does the program work?

Interested students complete an application expressing their top preferences and attend an information session on the program during the spring semester. The Career Center contacts alumni and professionals in those particular career fields. If the alum or professional agrees to host a student, the student's application materials are sent to the alum and the student is notified that a match has been made. The student then contacts the alum or professional to set up the dates for the externship to take place. All externships will take place over the summer break at a time that is convenient to both the student and the alum.

What are my responsibilities if I choose to host a student?

Students will be "shadowing" you over a one or two-day period. Our expectation is that you will allow at least a half-hour for a question and answer period (this can be done over lunch or at the end of the day). Please carry on with your daily activities as much as possible so that the student will see a somewhat "typical" or "realistic" daily routine. Students have been prepared to pay for their own expenses (travel, meals, etc). You'll need to arrange times, dates and meeting places with the student ahead of time; students will contact you to initiate this interaction.

How do I participate?

Please fill out our "How Can I Help" form to get started. The appropriate Career Center professional will be in touch with you shortly.