Extern Program
Main Navigation
- Home
- Career Outcomes
- Choosing a Career or Major
- Job Fairs and Employment Events
- Experiential Education
- Hire a Saluki
- Internships
- Jobs Search Links
- Professional Clothing Closet
- Professional Skills
- Resources for a Diverse Population
-
Contact Us
Career Development
1263 Lincoln Dr., Suite 0110
Student Services Building
Carbondale, Illinois 62901Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Evening hours available upon request.
618-453-2391 | F: 618-453-1924
careerdevelopment@siu.edu
Main Content
Thank you for considering participation in our 2024 Extern Program! For more than 30 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 is an unpaid one-week career preparation and exploration experience for current students. Its purpose is to provide you with professional experience relating to your academic/career interests or can assist you in exploring and determining what career field you’d like to go into after graduation. Students are matched with employers, often SIU alumni or supporters of the University, in a variety of careers and industries across the country. You will apply skills learned in the classroom in a professional work environment. The program is individualized and enhances your education. Benefits received are invaluable. Not only will you gain real world career knowledge and experience, but you will also expand your professional network. Some students find their externship has led them to find a lifelong mentor, an internship, and even a full-time employment offer.
The Extern Program takes place during SIU’s spring break, March 9-17, 2024. Students apply and are matched with externship positions based on their major, career interests, and the host-developed description of the experience.
Please read the student application requirements and steps closely below.
HOW TO BECOME AN EXTERN:
The Extern Program is open to most majors, but please be sure to view the eligibility requirements listed below if you are interested in this experience.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be in at least your third semester of undergraduate studies at SIU, or a transfer student. Master’s and JD students may also apply. Freshmen and PhD students are ineligible.
- Be enrolled full-time at SIU during the application process and during the externship (March 9-17, 2024). Students graduating in Dec. 2023 are ineligible for the 2024 program.
- Complete the online application which requires a resume and a cover letter written specifically for the program to be submitted.
- Complete a screening interview after submitting your application.
- Have a 3.0 GPA.*
- *Please do not let this requirement stop you from applying. If you have questions and/or concerns, please contact Stephanie Mueller at smueller95@siu.edu or 618-453-1049.
After completing the interview, Career Development staff will reach out shortly after to update you on the status of your application.