An “Extern”-al Inside Peek

An externship is much like an internship, that is, it is a relatively short-term form of on-the-job training that introduces you to the inner workings of a particular business or industry. Unlike an internship, which lasts several weeks or months and is sometimes paid, an externship is much shorter and often unpaid. The upside? It is an ideal way for working mothers to get a fast-and-furious inside look at a variety of businesses to help make informed career decisions.

How an Externship Works

An externship provides an opportunity to spend a few days job shadowing within a business or industry. Unlike an internship, in which you’ll be expected to work in an employee-like capacity, an externship allows you to observe, ask questions and get a broader picture of how different departments work. You aren’t likely to do much hands-on work, get paid or earn college credit, but you will get a rapid-fire corporate overview, and you can use an externship as a stepping stone to the more formal internship or even a job.

Benefits of an Externship

If you are exploring different career options, a series of short-term externships can help you get a better idea of what the daily workings of different fields look like. You will also meet a lot of people, make valuable contacts and become better educated about the types of careers that appeal to you. This can help reduce the potential of pursuing a pricey education or a career path that you might not be suited for.

Where to Find Externships

Some companies have formal externship programs that you can apply for, generally through human resources. Others have a less formal job shadowing policy, in which you can ask to sit in with a certain division or specialty area for a few days. Community centers, career and technical training centers and higher education career counseling staffers can also be good resources for tracking down appropriate opportunities.

Making the Most of Your Externship

Have a clear idea of what you want to get out of an externship before you start. Do you want to quietly observe, be paired with a staffer for an average day’s work, or have an opportunity to observe and then ask questions? Do you want a full company overview, or would you rather focus on a particular area, like accounting, graphic arts or customer service? Be upfront about what you want to achieve, so you can make the most of your time.

Be Professional and Courteous

Not only do externships provide you with a wealth of information, they can pave a path forward to bigger things. Be professional and courteous during your training and follow up with people you meet after the fact. Write thank-you letters, and if you like the people and the company, ask to be kept in the loop if a more official employment opportunity becomes available. You may find people willing to serve in a mentor capacity, or otherwise guide you and offer educational and professional advice as you advance in your career.