Sponsor an Extern

Cal Job Shadow Program

Berkeley Career Engagement’s Job Shadow Program allows undergraduate students at Cal to explore their career direction by shadowing employers and alumni at their workplace. These externships serve as an educational opportunity for students, during which they gain insightful experience in a professional environment, have the chance to explore a career area to which they might otherwise not have exposure, and build their professional network. There are two sessions of the program hosted each year, one during Winter Break, as well as a Summer Session. This long standing program is offered in partnership with the Cal Alumni Association.

Benefits of hosting an Extern: 

• Assist a Cal student with their career development
• Share your expertise and insights on careers and the workforce
• Strengthen the Cal Community by building relationships with Berkeley students who could become future employees or colleagues
• Increase brand recognition and create a potential pipeline for future opportunities within your organization

Who Should Participate?

• Cal Alumni
• Employers 

Sign up and Join?

Yes, I want to become a mentor! Click HERE to join! 

What is an Externship (job shadow experience)?

• An externship is a short-term, immersive job-shadowing experience that allows students to observe professionals in their field of interest 
• This experience can last a minimum of one day, up to a maximum of two weeks
• We highly encourage experiences to take place in person, but these experiences can also be hybrid, or virtual
• Students gain insights into the day-to-day tasks, work environments, and skills required for a particular job or industry to help them make informed decisions about their future careers. 
• Students may observe, meetings, or business activities. They may also provide limited assistance with projects or tasks to help acquaint them with the organization
• Students do not receive academic credit or pay, but are encouraged to network and build connections for future internships, or job opportunities 

Externships By the Numbers

Over 4,250 …students have externed since 1999
94% …students who found the externship experience to have a dynamic impact on their future career plans
69% …externs who received leads for internships or employment
94% …sponsors who said they would be willing to host an extern again
2700 …participating sponsors who have made the Externship Program what it is today
24 …years the Externship Program has been connecting Cal students and alumni

 

During the 2025-26 Winter Session we will be prioritizing pairings for juniors, seniors, and underrepresented students.

Job Shadow Externship Timeline- Winter Session

Resources to get you started

• Tips: How to Structure a Job Shadow Externship (PDF)
• Job Shadow Externship Stipend Fund