The UCF Career Services Center sponsored its ninth annual 2010 Spring Break Externship Program. The goal of the program is to provide students with a glimpse into a real world environment, within their career interests. The program also allows them to make career decisions based on first-hand knowledge rather than what is read or said about that particular career.

The 2010 Spring Break Externship Program placed 82 students with 54 different employers, who shared their professional experiences with our students. For the employers, this program presented a chance to get their hands on promising students, who could be potential future employees. Occasionally, the externships lead to opportunities with those employers down the road in the form of an internship or full-time position after graduation.

After Spring Break, the externs completed an online survey and had the opportunity to attend a “Reflection Session” where they had the chance to discuss and share their externship experience and the connections they have made with other students. Overall, the program received a positive evaluation. One student commented: “It was an unforgettable experience that enlightened my future. I have never been so sure of what career to pursue. Thank you Career Services.”

For many students, the externships are simply opportunities to explore career fields in which they are interested in. Another externship student, a finance major, stated, “It has been a great experience, and I would recommend everyone to participate. It’s a good way to ‘taste’ the particular field/industry within a company. For example, I changed my opinion about the insurance industry after this externship. This industry is much more diverse and complex, which makes it very interesting and a possible choice for my future career. I will definitely apply to participate again.”

For more information about how to participate with the 2010 Winter Break Externship Program and how it can offer answers to your question about your future career, visit the UCF Career Services Web site at: www.career.ucf.edu. 

Career Services in an office in the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services.