Career Engagement: Frequently Asked Questions
Externship frequently asked questions
Who hosts externships?
The majority of externship hosts are Gettysburg College alums or parents of current students. Often times, externship hosts also provide housing for their student externs and that detail is noted in the application.
Where are externships?
Externship opportunities exist in all parts of the country, including major cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and Los Angeles, and represent a diverse and interesting array of careers and industries.
Are transportation and/or accommodations provided?
Students are responsible for their transportation and/or accommodations related to participating in an opportunity, but some of the hosts do provide homestays as part of the experience. Be sure you review all details of each opportunity of interest to you, including date availability and location of the opportunities, to determine if it is an experience you will be able to participate in if selected. Please discuss your interests with a parent/guardian prior to applying, if necessary to make this determination. You can also contact our office to ask questions or discuss potential concerns.
Who is eligible to apply?
Externships are open to students of all class years, but you must be a currently enrolled student at the time of the externship and be in good standing with the College. Graduating seniors may apply for opportunities offered prior to Commencement.
How do I apply for an externship?
Applications are available in late February/early March via Handshake survey application. Be sure to review the Summer Externship FAQs, which has the questions from the application, and the full list of Summer Externship Opportunities in Handshake under Resources.
Does it cost anything to participate?
Participants are responsible for covering all costs associated with the experience, including their meals. However, students selected for an externship who need financial assistance in order to participate can apply for Externship Funding Fellowships towards transportation and/or overnight accommodations related to the experience (we do not cover meals). Funding Fellowship applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and while we cannot guarantee funding, we make every effort to help as many students as possible.
Are there any requirements?
Before the externship, students will be required to attend a preparation meeting, create a learning goal, and sign an Agreement & Release Form. As part of externship program, students are required to write a 350-500 word career reflection at the end of their experience as part of our reflection and completion survey.
Shadowing frequently asked questions
Who are the hosts for job shadowing?
The majority of hosts are Gettysburg College alums or parents of current students, but we also have friends of the College who are involved.
Where are opportunities located?
Job shadow opportunities are offered in multiple states across the country, including major cities such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and DC. They represent a diverse and interesting array of careers/industries.
When does job shadowing take place?
Most opportunities will take place in January before the start of spring semester. Each host provides their date availability, which is included on the application. Ultimately, you and the host work together to determine the best date for a one-day shadow.
Does it cost anything to participate?
Students are responsible for covering all costs associated with the experience, including any transportation, overnight accommodations, or meals.
Can I get assistance with funding the experience?
Students selected for a job shadow who need financial assistance in order to participate can apply for Funding Fellowships towards transportation and accommodations only (no meals) related to the experience. This process is based on self-reported need, not Financial Aid status. Funding Fellowship applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and while we cannot guarantee funding, we make every effort to help as many students as possible with our limited budget.
Who is eligible to apply?
The opportunities are open to students of all class years. You must be a currently enrolled student at the time of the job shadow and be in good standing with the College.
How do I apply?
Applications are generally available in mid-October. Students must apply to participate and are selected based upon their interests in an opportunity, quality of answers to application questions, as well as space available for an opportunity. Students are notified mid-November regarding their application status.
What questions will be asked on the application?
You will provide your top 3 job shadow opportunities in ranked order of interest for consideration (please only apply to those opportunities that you would participate in if accepted). You will also need to share where you are in your career exploration process and how each opportunity fits into your interests and/or career goals. Additionally, you’ll need to provide some insight into your logistical plans (i.e. travel/accommodations) should you be selected. While you do not need to write a novel, the internal review committee will consider thoughtfulness and quality of answers as part of the selection process. If you have questions about the application, please make an appointment with a career counselor via Handshake.
Are there any requirements for participation?
Participating students must attend a preparation meeting, complete online preparation modules prior to their experience, and sign an Agreement & Release Form. For some experiences, the employer may require additional items to be completed before a student is able to participate. These requirements are generally shared in our marketing during the application process.
Previous Job Shadowing Sites
- The Carmel Pine Cone Newspaper – Pacific Grove, CA
- Boston African American National Historic Site – Boston, MA
- Sanofi/Sanofi-Genzyme - Framingham, MA
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Arlington, VA
- ArtsQuest - Bethlehem, PA
- Quest Diagnostics - Chantilly, VA
- Deloitte Consulting - New York, NY
- American Heart Association - Washington, DC
- Blackbaud - Charleston, SC
- Merck – North Wales, PA
- Sterling Publishing - New York, NY
- Sen. John Heinz History Center - Pittsburgh, PA
- Medicine / Healthcare - Various locations
- Elementary, Secondary & Higher Education - Various locations