Frequently Asked Questions for NEXT Hosts
What is an externship?
The NEXT externship provides students an opportunity to see firsthand what it is like to be a professional in a career they are interested in pursuing. Students spend time observing and often working with employers in order to gain some insight into the practical aspects of their potential future careers.
What should I, as a host, expect from a student extern?
The host should expect the student to show up on time, be dressed appropriately and be ready to spend the day learning, observing and asking questions. Since the program is designed to provide students exposure to a field, it is unlikely that the student will have relevant job experience. Hosts should keep in mind that the student extern is not a "temp" and therefore should not simply be assigned to clerical tasks throughout the entire day.
What do externs do?
This depends on the host and the host’s field of work. Students may take a tour; conduct informational interviews with people in various specializations and at different levels; review company literature; sit in on staff meetings; help with tasks; ask questions about the field, the organization, training and curriculum necessary to enter the field; and/or assist with actual office projects (research, report writing, etc.).
Am I expected to reimburse the students in any way?
The externship is an unpaid position. Students are expected to find their own housing and travel arrangements and do not receive academic credit.
If I volunteer, am I guaranteed a student?
Pairing with a student for an externship cannot be guaranteed due to the number of variables in the selection and matching process. However, if you are not matched with a student extern, there are still many valuable ways for you to offer career guidance to and interact with current Northwestern students. These opportunities can be found on the Northwestern Alumni Association Web site and the University Career Services Web site.
What is the selection process?
After your externship application has been submitted online, we post it in a forum (sorted by career field) that will be available to all interested students. Your job description, city, and state will be listed along with an assigned reply code for the students.
The students will then send applications to us (citing your reply code), and we will sort their applications and send them to you via e-mail between February 4-8, 2008.
You will then submit your top five choices to us by February 15, 2008, and we will do our best to match you with the number of students you have volunteered to host.
Students will be assigned to hosts on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, hosts submitting their choices earlier will be more likely to get their first choice of students.
If you are matched, you and the student will receive e-mails from the NAA by the end of February, stating that an externship match has been made.
Once all matches are finalized we will send the hosts and the students each other’s contact information. Students will be responsible for initiating contact with the host to discuss details of the externship.
How long is an externship?
Externships last one day and must be completed between March 21 and April 21, 2008.
Must I consider the student to be a potential employee?
No. The NEXT program is not about hiring students for a job or internship. It is permissible, however, if you are impressed with your student, to inquire about their interest in any internships or jobs that your organization may offer. The host may keep in contact with the extern after the externship is over.
How do I register for the program?
Questions can be e-mailed to next@alumni.northwestern.edu. | 
