Project E(x)ternship

A Job Shadowing Program

Project E(x)ternship is a Spring and Summer Break career exploration program offered to students to make professional connections with alumni and friends of Pepperdine in their workplaces. Participants have the privilege of meeting an alumnus/a and investigating a career field for a half day up to 5 days without making a long-term commitment.

Project E(x)ternship will resume in the 2017-2018 school year.

Student Application Process

When are the Project E(x)ternship opportunities posted?

A list of available spring opportunities have already been posted on Handshake! Please note: job shadow opportunities will be closed after five applicants, so apply to your top choices as soon as possible!

When is the deadline to apply?

Students will have one month to review the list of opportunities online.

Priority Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2015 at 5:00pm.

Final Deadline: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 5:00pm.

How do I apply once the opportunities are live?

Sign into Handshake with your WaveNet credentials.
Once you are viewing your Handshake home page, type in Project E(x)ternship on the main search bar.
You can scroll through the opportunities and apply for up to five.

What documents do I need to prepare for my application?

You will need to prepare a resume and a letter of interest that you will upload with your application via Handshake. In your Letter of Interest, please explain why your participation in the particular E(x)ternship you've applied for would benefit your career exploration process. Letters of Interest will be judged based on professional tone, clarity of argument, level of expressed interest in the host's field, and the E(x)ternship's potential benefit to you.

The Letter of Interest must contain the following:
Why are you interested in Project E(x)ternship?
What do you expect to gain from this experience?
Why did you choose this particular externship and location?
Have you had an internship or participated in Project E(x)ternship before?
Have you applied to more than one Project E(x)ternship posting? What is your order of preference?

Before you draft your Letter of Interest, please refer to our Sample Project E(x)ternship Cover Letter for formatting guidelines.

You may also refer to the following resources for preparing your resume: Resume 101 & General Resume Sample
To increase your chances of getting your preferred E(x)ternship choice, we strongly advise that you have your resume and cover letter reviewed by our Career Ambassadors. To do this, you may:

Email the documents to careerambassador@pepperdine.edu for review
Stop by Seaver College Career Services to see a Career Ambassador to expedite the process (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Make an appointment with an Industry Specialist (call 310.506.4184)

Please note that all resumes must be approved on Handshake before applying.

How many E(x)ternship opportunities can I apply for?

Students are encouraged to apply for up to five E(x)ternship opportunities are allowed to participate in however many they can commit to per E(x)ternship period.

If I apply, am I guaranteed an E(x)ternship?

Although E(x)ternship assignments are not guaranteed, all Seaver College students are encouraged to apply! We recommend that you apply for more than one E(x)ternship; however, you must only apply for E(x)ternships that you are willing and able to complete. By applying, you are committing to participate in that particular opportunity if you are matched with that particular host. Withdrawing from the program after you've been matched is strongly discouraged.

How are applicants selected?

Acceptance is dependent on the availability of the Project E(x)ternship host, applicant's resume, cover letter, and a brief interview with the Seaver College Career Services staff.

What are my responsibilities if I am selected?

If you are selected to be a Spring E(x)tern, you will be required to attend the Project E(x)ternship bootcamp (February 3 & 10). If you are selected to be a Summer E(x)tern, you will be required to attend the Project E(x)ternship bootcamp (dates TBD). This program is designed to contribute to your professional development and prepare you for your E(x)ternship as well as your future career.

In addition to these important events, you will be expected to sign a statement of commitment. Lastly, you will be asked to turn in 3-5 pictures of yourself at your E(x)ternship, provide feedback to the Seaver College Career Services, and reflect on your experience after the program is over.
If you have any questions, please contact the Seaver Career Services at 310-506-4184.

Project E(x)ternship 2015-2016: Important Dates

Spring Break 2016 Program

October 12, 2015: Host Opportunities Revealed
October 30, 2015: Priority Application Deadline
November 24, 2015: Final Application Deadline
November 2 - December 3, 2015: Interviews
December 11, 2015: Acceptance Letters Sent to Students
December 21, 2015: Student Statement of Commitment Due
February 3 & 10, 2016: Project E(x)ternship Bootcamp
February 26, 2016: Industry Specialist Deadline
February 29 - March 4, 2016: Spring Break: Project E(x)ternship takes place
March 7, 2016: Student Reflective Evaluation Due

Summer Break 2016 Program- May 2-6

Are your parents seeking to serve as hosts?

Host FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an E(x)ternship?

Different from an internship, an E(x)ternship is a short-term, unpaid opportunity to meet with or shadow a professional and gain a first-hand perspective of his or her day-to-day work life.

How many days do Project E(x)ternship participants E(x)tern?

Depending on the availability of the host, most E(x)ternships will range from a half day to 5 contiguous days.

Who is eligible to apply for Project E(x)ternship?

All undergraduate students at Seaver College are eligible to apply for Project E(x)ternship.

Why should I participate in Project E(x)ternship?

Externships give you a realistic view of work environments in various fields as you continue to explore possible internships or careers for your future.
Project E(x)ternship connects you with alumni or friends of Pepperdine who share their career experiences, lessons learned, and professional tips for securing jobs and internships in their industries.
As a participant in Project E(x)ternship, you are introduced to networking techniques, informational interviews, cover letters, resumes, and on-the-job etiquette.

Who are the Project E(x)ternship hosts?

Project E(x)ternship hosts are Pepperdine University alumni and friends of Pepperdine, all of whom are professionals in a variety of career fields.

What do E(x)terns do?

Project E(x)ternship experiences vary, depending on the host. Students may:
Take a tour of the facility
Participate in staff meetings
Conduct informational interviews
Assist with daily tasks or projects

Which career fields or industries will be available for applicants to choose from?

A variety of major industries and career fields will be available for applicants to choose from. In the past, students have participated in E(x)ternships in the fields of journalism/communications, marketing/PR, business, law, education, medicine, mental health and non-profit/public service; however, available career fields depend on the alumni participants each year.

Am I responsible for transportation, housing, and meals?

Yes. Students assume all costs for program participation, including transportation to and from the E(x)ternship site, accommodations, and meals. However scholarships may be available to assist with program costs.

Do I need work experience in order to participate in Project E(x)ternship?

You do not have to have work experience to participate. This program is designed for students to explore fields and careers that they are interested in; therefore, you do not have to have professional experience to qualify.