Externship Program

Externships are short-term shadowing experiences in which a student follows a professional to observe the day-to-day activities in their workplace. As an extern, you’ll gain an insider’s perspective of your chosen field, make connections with professionals in the industry, and assess if this is really what you want to pursue post-graduation.

Explore the World of Work (EWoW)

The Explore the World of Work (EWoW) Program provides students with professional networking and job shadowing experiences in their chosen career fields. Undergraduate students are matched with UTD alumni and employers in various careers across all industries and academic disciplines. Students will have the opportunity to network with and shadow employers in their desired career field through informational interviews, informative company presentations, and working alongside employees on different projects. 

The Explore the World of Work Program occurs during the week of Spring Break. Employers choose the length and dates of the experience, ranging from three to five, happening over Spring Break. EWoW events allow companies to host more students and enable students to network while they are on a break. 

The benefits received are invaluable, as students will:

  • gain real-world career knowledge and experience
  • expand their career network
  • find a lifelong mentor, an internship, and even a full-time employment offer

Currently, we are conducting this program with both online and in-person options. If companies operate in person and choose to do so, they can host students at their facility. Additionally, if companies are working in a virtual capacity, we have many options for connecting with students.

2024 EWoW Employers

Trinity River Authority: https://utdallas.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1504244

101 Media: https://utdallas.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1504302

Insperity: https://utdallas.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1504357

Students

Explore the World of Work (WoW) – Spring Break will take place March 11-15, 2024.

Program Requirements
  • Students must be able to complete the full-time externship schedule for the entire duration of Spring Break, March 2024.  
  • Students must participate in all engagement activities as scheduled by their employer, including program activities such as orientation and a debrief session.   
Eligibility Requirements
  • The externship program is open to all UTD students from every academic department. Placements are made based on the compatibility of the student’s professional interests and academic background and the needs of a particular employer. 
  • Students must be currently enrolled as a current sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate student.
  • Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA to be eligible for this program. Students with a cumulative GPA lower than 3.0 may still apply. However, their application will be subject to independent review. 
Selection Criteria
  • Demonstrate ways in which the program and experience will enhance learning and contribute to future career goals. 
  • Demonstrate affinity and interest in learning about professional networking and job shadowing in a prospective career field.  
Student Interest Form Link 

Please click here to fill out the student interest form.

Student FAQs 

Do I have to be available the entire week of Spring Break to host students? How long does an externship last? 

  • Each employer has a different schedule, but in most cases, the average externship lasts 3-5 days. However, students must plan to be available for the entirety of Spring Break.  

Am I guaranteed an externship if I apply? 

  • No. Explore the World of Work is a highly competitive and selective program. Not all students will be accommodated. 

How will I be matched?

  • Students are matched with one employer site based on major and the compatibility of the student’s professional interests and academic background and the needs of a particular employer. 

What activities will I be doing?

  • Students can expect to network with and shadow employers in their desired career field through informational interviews, informative company presentations, and meetings. Students will also communicate with a variety of employees in different departments and learn about the career paths of many employees in the organization. 

Employers

Program Requirements  

Participating employers are required to abide by the following guidelines in establishing a successful externship: 

  • Prepare and submit a detailed program schedule. A schedule form confirms participation in the program. (Note: student contact information will not be released until the schedule form has been received.
  • Provide a thorough onboarding and orientation process for your externs. Make sure all expectations and goals are clearly established at the beginning of the externship. 
  • Provide professional development opportunities for the externs, including participation in trainings, workshops, and meetings that help them learn about the industry and profession.  
  • Provide opportunities for the intern to network and conduct informational interviews with other members of the organization.  
  • After the externship, complete a final evaluation to provide feedback to assess the program’s effectiveness and provide you an opportunity to make changes that will enhance the experience for future externs.  
  • Consider connecting with them on LinkedIn for additional professional networking opportunities.  

Employers Dates

Explore the World of Work (WoW) – Spring Break will take place March 13-17, 2023. Students will be matched with employers during the matching process taking place on February 21-24, 2023.

Employer Interest Form Link 

Click HERE to fill out the Employer Interest Form.

Employer FAQs 

What is the structure of the experience?  

  • The employer and the students will engage in networking and/or job shadowing opportunities, depending on how the company chooses to develop the program. Networking experiences can take the form of virtual informational interviews with different employees, and job shadowing can occur during in-person experiences.  

What do I discuss with a student?  

  • Describe to students what a typical day at your organization looks like. Sponsors should invite students to interact with many different employees. Additionally, preparing a meeting schedule/note will help guide the experience for both you and the students.  

Are externs paid?  

  • No, students are financially responsible for all expenses if in-person including travelling to and from the work site, housing arrangements, and food. Most employers do provide parking passes or other accommodations based on their location.  

How will the meetings be set up?  

  • After the Career Center places a student(s) with a specific company, it will be up to the employer how they would like to conduct the experience. You may choose whichever platform works best for you and the student at times that are convenient for both parties. Either virtual or in-person.  

What are the benefits of participating?  

  • Market your organization, recruit future employees, and provide professional development to students  

How will I be matched with a student(s)?  

  • The University Career Center will handle applications and vetting interviews for all interested students. Companies will be contacted with information on interested students.  

Do I have to be available the entire week of Spring Break to host students?  

  • No, the externship program is flexible to the needs of each company. We do ask that the experience last at least 3 days. 

Are students required to sign any documents to extern with different companies (NDA, volunteer forms, etc.)?  

  • Required documents from the employer are at the discretion of the company. If the student(s) will need to sign any specific documents before interacting with your company, please provide those to the student(s) prior to the beginning of the experience. 

Testimonials

“The EWoW program allowed me to get a real-world understanding of the field of business intelligence and analytics. My mentor was candid on his journey getting to his position as well as including us in his normal workday activities.”

Lauren Bernal
MBA & MS Business Analytics
Externship Site: HCSS

“This has been one of the greatest academic experiences I’ve ever had. This externship has made me realize that I can do what I love and that there are more opportunities than I realize.”

Dejaila Simms
Finance Major, Junior
Externship Site: Bridge Tower

“Our visit to Nokia Executive Experience Center was exceptional. Each interaction was marked by professionalism and a genuine passion for what Nokia does, making our visit truly memorable.”

Collins Mwange
MS in Cyber Security, Technology and Policy
Externship Site: Nokia

For application questions, please contact Deja Dickerson, Experiential Programs Coordinator at Deja.Dickerson@utdallas.edu.

Previous Externship Hosts