Career exploration is an important part of the student experience. First- and second-year students especially benefit from gaining hands-on, in-person experience to new career pathways. 

The Muhlenberg Externship Program is an easy, low-risk way for you to try out new careers by engaging with a professional during their work day. You get to experience a day in their life, while also getting to network, ask questions and gain insight into what it’s like be a part of that profession. This short term learning experience allows for you to gain an understanding of what an industry or profession entails on a daily basis. This program runs once a year: winter break. 

Career Center Director Ryan Smolko works with a student to find out more about their career plans.

This career exploration opportunity is open to all students and class years; you do not have to be at a specific point in your career development journey in order to participate.  This can be your very first time gaining exploring careers, or you can already have an idea of what you would like to pursue! 

For example, you can participate in an externship if you are:

  • Still exploring your options and identifying your career goals. You applied for the externship opportunity because it sounded interesting to you!
  • Clarifying several career options that you have identified. You have some knowledge about the job/industry, but are still seeking more information to gain clarity about your future. 
  • Confident you want to enter that specific industry and would just like to deepen your knowledge and learn about how people enter and advance in that field.

The externship can last 1-5 days; you and your host will decide how long this experience will be. 

You are also responsible for your own transportation to your externship site, so please keep that in mind when applying.

In order to apply, you will submit a resume and a brief statement about why you would like to participate and what you are hoping to take away from the experience. All externships will be posted on Handshake during the application period. 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

The Career Center

Address Muhlenberg College The Career Center 2400 Chew Street Allentown, PA 18104