By Maddie Pedone ’26
Have you ever heard of an externship? Different from an internship, an externship is a short-term observational experience where participants are able to gain insight into a specific career and make meaningful connections.
Over the January break, sophomores, juniors, and seniors have an opportunity to shadow a professional in the field, according to Gateway Career Center’s website. During a two- to five- day period, students become immersed in their host’s daily activities to gain a better understanding of their work, career path, and industry as a whole.
Many different people with connections to Lafayette, such as alumni, provide opportunities for students to shadow their industry for a few days. A large variety of industries are included each year for the externship program, allowing students of all disciplines to participate. A single application is used to apply to the externship program. The availability of hosts and competitive applicants varies from year to year, but a majority of students are matched and paired with an externship host. It is important to note the externship program is only open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Applications for the program open each fall. MORE