Through Bucknell's Externship Program, Students Get Inside Look at Life on the Job

You can stroll through the lobby, browse the official website or ask around. But to truly understand the culture of a workplace, you have to experience it for yourself.

That's the innovative idea behind the Bucknell externship program, which debuted in 2006.

An externship is a one- to two-day job-shadowing experience for college students that's hosted by a business in partnership with the University.

Every winter break, Bucknell's Center for Career Advancement connects sophomore students with employers for these externships, which involve way more than back-office busywork. Students get to meet CEOs, have lunch with high-ranking executives and even work on real projects.

By getting a taste of life on the job, students can reinforce their existing career plan or - just as important - pivot to a different path if they realize their original career plan wasn't the right fit.

"For students, it's getting exposure to an industry, a company, a job role early in their college career," says Rachel Redmond, who leads the program. "Having that experience early on helps them select classes and decide on a major."

Each externship is hosted by a Bucknell graduate, parent or friend of the University. These hosts open the doors to their workplaces so that students can immerse themselves in day-to-day office life, try their hand at a project or two, and meet people in an industry that fascinates them.

"The more opportunities that students can take to see what's out there in the world of work, the better," Redmond says.

Here's a look at Olivia DeNicola's recent externship experience - delivering a high-impact experience in a short amount of time.

To view these students click here: https://bucknell.meritpages.com/achievements/Through-Bucknell-s-Externship-Program-Students-Get-Inside-Look-at-Life-on-the-Job/119584