The Value of an Externship in College
If you’re considering ECPI University for your college degree, you might be wondering what an externship is and why you have to take one no matter your degree path. It might seem extraneous, but an externship is a valuable part of your education and one that can help you get real-world experience while learning. An externship is an important element to your education and one that looks great on a résumé.
What is an Externship and how is it Different from an Internship?
Although the two words are similar, there are distinctive and important differences between them:
- Internship: A long-term position where you gain practical experience at a profession or occupation, independent of a college or university.
- Externship: A short-time position taken in relation to an educational program. Also focused on gaining practical experience in a profession.
Both internships and externships are about helping an individual gain real life experience at a profession before they enter the workforce. However, externships are generally shorter and done with a launching pad of higher education.
Why is an Externship Important?
When you are in an educational setting, everyone falls into a level of pseudotransactionality. An example of this is that your instructor asks you to pretend a classmate is a patient and you are their nurse. While you act out being a nurse, you remain acutely aware this “patient” is your classmate and you are being evaluated for a grade. This leaves you as an actor performing an act with an element of reality completely missing.
But at an externship you are no longer an actor. You are no longer dealing with pretend scenarios and you will no longer be acting under the eye of a grade-giving professor. Finding yourself in real situations with patients, clients, and colleagues who you will interact with gives you an advantage like no other. You are no longer pretending to be in real life situations, you are now in them.
What can I Gain from an Externship?
In addition to being in real-world situations and getting a taste of what it’s really like to hold a job in your field, be sure to include your externship on your résumé. This gives you the ability to say that you have a solid educational background in your field and you’ve had hands-on experience. In a world where experience is increasingly important, this could help you tremendously during your job hunt.
Not only that, but some people who work externships go on to find jobs at the businesses where they work. Even if you don’t end up working for that company, you can make connections and meet people in your field. This chance to network can lead to additional opportunities.
How can I be Successful at an Externship?
It’s vital to remember how important this position is for you and your education. When you arrive at your externship you not only represent yourself, but you represent your university as well. Here are some tips to help you along as you start your externship.
- Ask questions: If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s better to clarify what you’re doing than do it wrong and have to do it all over again.
- Be professional: Remember that while your professor isn’t watching your every move, you will still have superiors helping you along the way. Professional dress, courtesy, and behavior is always expected.
- Learn as much as you can: This seems obvious; after all, you’re there to learn. But after you learn your job, try to branch out and see what others in your place of business are doing. Learn about their positions as well. The better you understand how the company works, the better you will be able to work within the company.
- Be observant: While you will be doing a lot of tasks yourself, you will undoubtedly observe senior employees performing higher level tasks which require more training and education. Be sure to observe carefully. One day you may be performing these duties and further still, you might be training others in how to do them as well.
If you’re looking for not only a solid educational background, but hands-on experience in the field you want to work in, consider ECPI University for your degree. With an emphasis in practical experience, your classroom and externship experience could help prepare you for a job in a variety of different fields. Contact an admissions representative today to discuss your options.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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