Definition: Externships or job shadowing experiences offer very short practical experiences in a particular field of study. Externships for the most part are much shorter than internship experiences and may range from a couple of days to several weeks. Externships are an opportunity for students to observe, ask questions, and get exposure to a career field of interest by spending a limited period of time with a professional in the field.
Due to the short period of time, many students do externships during winter or spring break. It is the perfect opportunity to spend time in a career field of interest and requires a very limited commitment from students. Externships offer a chance for students to see what it is they really are interested in doing as well as being exposed to careers that are much different than what they originally anticipated.
