The Undergraduate Center for Career Development is proud to present Babson College’s Externship Program, offered to all undergraduate students. An externship or job-shadowing experience lasts only 1 day. Provided with an opportunity to observe professionals on the job, students will gain an understanding of a career or industry in a focused and informative environment. It also encourages students, alumni, and organizations to forge strong and valuable connections in a shared experience. The Externship Program is not for academic credit and students are not compensated, but the experience will be greatly beneficial to both the students and sponsors.

Overview
Student Criteria for Participation
Typical Activities of an Externship
Dates of Externship Informational Sessions
General Tips for Participation in Externship Program
Application Steps
Questions to Pose to Sponsors in an Externship
Current Timeline for Externship Program

When making a decision for placement, the selection committee will consider all these various pieces together when making a decision. Students need not show expertise or experience in the field of the externship for which they apply, but must show sincere interest and curiosity about the field as a possible career option. If you are not placed in an externship the first time around, please be sure to apply for future opportunities. The criteria for selection are as follows:

• Must be a current Babson student in good academic standing
• Complete application for an externship
• Attend one orientation session to learn about the program and complete the Babson Externship Program application
• All applicants must submit (via Babson Career Connections) a resume (Resume must be up to date and reviewed for accuracy.) and cover letter (The letter should be no more than three paragraphs that explain your reason for participating in an externship.)
• Complete an evaluation of externship at the conclusion

• Sit in on company staff meetings
• Complete office tasks or assist with projects
• Conduct informational interviews of both professional and administrative staff
• Observe client interactions
• Observe functions and duties of a particular career
• Tour the facilities
• Review organization’s mission/vision statement and organizational charts
• Understand office policies and procedures
• Review current trends in the profession
• Explore potential career paths within the organization and the profession
• Meet with key players of the organization

• It is mandatory that all externship applicants attend the orientation session. If you are not able to attend because of an extenuating circumstance, please contact CCD to make other arrangements.
• Be sure that your resume and cover letter is current and polished. Remember, first impressions are lasting so make sure that you are presentable throughout the experience.
• Fill out applications completely and clearly. Describe your interest in acquiring an externship.
• You should begin the application process at least two weeks before the orientation session to ensure that you are early in the process.

• The application will be available on Babson Career Connections at the end of November.  Keep an eye out for email notification.
• Submit your resume and top choices (uploaded as 'other document') via Babson Career Connections (Company name: Externship Program, Job Title: Externship Winter 2009)*The absence of any of these items will constitute an incomplete application.

• What are the major divisions of your organization? Where does your division fit in?
• What do you do during a typical work week/day?
• What skills/abilities/attributes are most important in your work?
• How did you enter this field? What preparations (college major, training, other work experiences) would you suggest for someone interested in entering this field?
• What other career areas are related to your work?
• What are the areas of growth and decline in this career field?
• What are the most significant problems you face in your specific job, department, or organization? To respond to these problems, what attributes do you seek in people you hire?
• What is the average beginning salary for a person entering this career field?
• Do employees have the opportunity for advancement within your organization? If so, how often is typical?
• How much flexibility does one typically have regarding: innovation, self-expression, hours of work, lifestyle, decision making (authority), and feedback? Do employees work overtime regularly?
• What percentage of time do you spend in interaction with people (staff and clients)? Working independently? Working with a team?
• Must someone in your field expect to be moved about often during his/her career (within the company and geographically)?
• Can you name any relevant magazines, journals, or publications that you would recommend I review?
• Do you have any advice for me?