Extern Program

For more than 40 years, SIU has provided the Extern Program as a unique professional development experience for students. To date, more than 4,000 Salukis have worked with companies and organizations around the nation to gain first-hand experience.

The Extern Program provides students with professional experience in their chosen career fields by connecting them with SIU alumni and friends in various careers across the country. Students apply skills learned in the classroom in a professional work environment, making the program a valuable extension of their education. The benefits are invaluable: students gain real-world career knowledge and experience, expand their career networks, and some even find lifelong mentors, internships, or full-time employment offers.

Externships are unpaid, one-week career preparation and exploration experiences for current students who have completed at least their third semester at SIU or are transfer students (JD and Master’s students may also apply). Each spring, alumni and friends of the university host students at their workplaces, providing job shadowing opportunities in a wide variety of career fields.