Virtual Externship Program

During this pandemic, it is as important as ever to help Grinnell students navigate possible career paths and clarify their strengths, interests, and values. It is also crucial to adapt to the changes and needs in our community. With that, Grinnell College is pleased to share a virtual externship program.

This program is designed for students interested in a career exploration experience with a Grinnell alumnus in a virtual space. While this experience will look different from externships of the past, we feel this program is as important as ever in these challenging times.

What does a virtual externship look like?

Virtual externships will still happen over spring break (March 24 – April 1, 2021). These experiences will last four to five days with about two hours of interaction and/or activities per day.

  • Shadowing: During this portion of the virtual externship, student will attend meetings with their host. The host will decide upon appropriate meetings for the student to attend.
  • Mentoring: The student and host will meet at the end of the day to reflect on the day’s activities. The student will also have an opportunity to ask any questions.
  • Interviews: Throughout the process, hosts will be encouraged to schedule interviews for their student. These can be with co-workers or alumni in a similar field. This will highlight all the possible routes to a particular job.
  • Project: The host will be asked to decide on a small project for the student to complete. This project should last one to two hours.

How to sign up to participate

  • Registration to virtually host a Grinnell College student extern during Spring Break 2021 is now open.
  • Please complete the online registration form.  
  • Once the registration form has been completed, a College staff member will contact you with final confirmation of your involvement and a reminder of important dates.
  • Registration closes on December 4, 2020.
  • Spring Break is March 24 – April 1, 2021.

Looking for more information?

Check out our list of frequently asked questions.

If you have any questions about the Externship program, please contact Jessica Stewart, senior associate director of donor and alumni relations, at jstewart@grinnell.edu  or at 641-2693234.