Externships For Students

The Extern Program is open to Ursinus College students of all class years and majors, at least 18 years or older.

• Students need to hold a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and in good disciplinary standing.
• Preference will be given to second, third and fourth year students.
• Additional consideration will be given to students who have not had an externship.
• Additional consideration will be given to students who have attended the Extern Program Made Easy information session.
• Some Sponsors may restrict their externships to certain majors or years; this will be noted in the specific externship description.

An externship is an opportunity to have your questions answered by someone with experience in a field you are considering as a possible career. In addition to helping you consider career choices, you will gain opportunities for networking and informational interviewing. Activities you may become involved with as an extern include:

• Observe work being performed by the Sponsor or his/her co-workers
• Speak with Sponsor about career field, career path, job responsibilities, experiences
• Reflect on how professional competencies are applied throughout the externship experience
• Attend staff or committee meetings or presentations
• Take a tour of the organization
• Attend a training program designed for new employees
• Complete or assist with a sampling of work assignment
• Observe interactions with the organization’s clients
• Develop relationships with professionals and build your professional network
• Plan a meeting with the hiring staff to understand what they look for in college graduates
• Connect with Ursinus College alumni who work at the organization
• Meet young, recently hired staff to understand their experiences
• Explore careers and work environments and test interests
• Gain exposure to the expectations and culture of organizations, as well as workplace dynamics
• Learn and practice appropriate business etiquette
• Participate in informational interviews with staff members to understand the organization, industry and future trends, and career paths within this field.

All students applying for the program MUST apply using this online procedure in Handshake. The application process has FOUR steps.

The deadline to submit all application materials for the Winter 2026 Extern Program is 9:00 am on October 20th for the first round of applications. The deadline to submit application materials for the second round of applications is 9:00 am on October 27th.

Students are assigned first-come, first-served. Preference will be given to round one applicants. Matches are determined by strength of application. Students must remain in good academic and disciplinary standing to attend the externship.

Any unassigned applicants from round one and applicants from round two will be considered for unmatched opportunities.The details