Northwestern Externship Program (NEXT)
Why participate?
The Northwestern Externship Program (NEXT) is a shadowing program offering current Northwestern students the opportunity to accompany alumni on the job to learn more about a variety of professional fields. Students will spend time learning from their alumni hosts to gain insight into the practical aspects of potential careers. Externships will take place during the winter and spring quarters, January through June 2024.
NEXT 2024 will be conducted in either a virtual or in-person format. This program is cosponsored by Northwestern Career Advancement and Northwestern Alumni Association.
Who can participate?
All current degree-seeking students are invited to participate as externs in this annual program.
How do I start planning?
Register and learn more on the Northwestern Alumni Association’s website. As a participating student, you will be able to search available externships by organization, location, and/or professional fields. To apply, you’ll need to create a profile, select up to 8 externships you would like to be considered for, and submit an anonymous resume and written narrative for each externship.
Student registration will be open from November 1 - November 10. Visit the Student Externs page to learn more about participating as an extern.
Matches with your alumni host will be announced at the start of winter quarter. Externships will take place as soon as your host is available but will need to be completed before the end of June.
Are you creating an account for the first time?
- Create a NEXT profile (takes 1-2 business days to approve your account).
- You already have an account? Log-in using your credentials to apply for externship this cycle.
Once you’ve created your account, you must return to complete and submit your application by Thursday, December 16.
Matching Notification
- All hosts and students will be notified if they have been matched during the week of December 8, 2023.
Externship Timeline
Alumni from domestic and international organizations will host students for their virtual or in-person externship any time after they have been matched through the end of June. The exact externship date will be mutually decided by the student extern and alumni host within this timeframe, or another mutually agreed-upon date if needed.
Orientation Session
The training session will be available for students who have been matched for the NEXT program. Students will learn how to make the most of their externship experience with guidance and tips for how to initiate contact with their alumni host.