Career Services & Experiential Learning

1. What is the purpose of the Winter Break Externship Program?

2. What is an externship?

3. What can I expect from an externship?

4. How can an externship benefit me?

5. How many hours will I be expected to work?

6. What type of experience and skills must I have to participate in the Externship Program?

7. Will I receive payment or academic credit for the work that I do?

8. How are schedules coordinated for the externship?

9. How do I apply for an externship?

10. When is the deadline?

11. How does the selection process work?

1.WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE WINTER BREAK EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM?

The Winter Break Externship Program is designed to give UCF students the opportunity to explore a specific career field while networking with professionals within the community.

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2. WHAT IS AN EXTERNSHIP?

An externship is a weeklong, voluntary job shadowing experience. This experience gives the student an opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to be a professional for a week in a career they are interested in pursuing. Students spend time observing and often working with employers in order to gain some insight on the real world aspects of their future careers.

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3. WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM AN EXTERNSHIP?

To gain experience and knowledge through actual hands on experiences and/or by simply observing the host employer(s) facilitate meetings, training sessions, etc.

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4. HOW CAN AN EXTERNSHIP BENEFIT ME?

• Explore a career field and experience the work environment firsthand.
• Learn how to apply your academic major through discussions with a professional who has similar academic background.
• Assess your "fit" with a particular entry-level position or organization.
• Make career connections and encounter networking opportunities.

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5. HOW MANY HOURS WILL I BE EXPECTED TO WORK?

The duration of the externship will depend upon the availability of the host employer as well as that of the student. We strongly recommend student participants to commit to working between 8 to 40 hours during their externship experience. (The Externship is a 1-week experience).

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6. WHAT TYPE OF EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS MUST I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WINTER EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM?

The Winter Break Externship Program is for students attending the University of Central Florida.

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7. WILL I RECEIVE PAYMENT OR ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR THE WORK THAT I DO?

Students do not receive academic credit or pay for spring externships and they are responsible for their own expenses and transportation.

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8. HOW ARE SCHEDULES COORDINATED FOR THE EXTERNSHIP?

After a student is accepted for an externship he/she is responsible for contacting the host employer to establish the length of the spring externship and to discuss the company's policies and procedures.

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9. HOW DO I APPLY FOR AN EXTERNSHIP?

To apply for the Winter Break Externship you will need to complete an online application.

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10. WHEN IS THE DEADLINE?

Applications are due in CSEL by 5 P.M. on November 9, 2007.

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11. HOW DOES THE SELECTION PROCESS WORK?

CSEL staff will forward your application to host employers for review. Once a host employer has selected you for an externship we will contact you with their name, number, and location. It will be your responsibility to follow up with the host employer to receive specific instructions regarding the length of the spring externship, location, work schedule, company policies and procedures, etc.

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