Program

Program Overview

The Externship Program provides an observational/exploration opportunity for current Bryn Mawr College (BMC) students to broaden their perspectives through job shadowing, informational interviewing, career exploration, and networking with mentors from various professional industries.

What Past Participants Are Saying

Check out 2025-26 Program Highlights here!

Relationship Building | "My goal for the externship was to explore new places, engage in unique activities, and learn more about self-care and personal growth. The experience helped me gain a deeper appreciation for living in the moment and taking care of my emotional and physical well-being, which will benefit me in both my personal and professional life. I also developed a greater sense of gratitude and learned the importance of vulnerability and not sweating the small stuff." Student, Spring 2025

Connections & Networking | “Entering the externship, I simply wanted to get a better feel as to how data science and logic are applied in different careers. Over the course of the program, while I did get to learn about specific applications, I feel like I learned more about what it means to live and work; I learned more about how to build professional skills, make decisions about what opportunities are beneficial to me (intellectually, emotionally, and financially), and how to network and reach out to possible mentors. I feel strengthened and supported by this externship, and hopeful moving forward.” Student, Fall 2024

Job Shadowing & Career Exploration | “This externship has been an invaluable opportunity for me to observe traditional Chinese medical practices firsthand. More importantly, I am so grateful to have connected with such a kind and talented mentor who genuinely shared her experiences and thoughts with me. I still think back to the way how she cared for patients holistically and getting inspired from that. This experience gave me a new understanding about healthcare and so many reflections on my future career.” Student, Fall 2024

Registration Requirements 

  • Request to join the Externship Program on Mawrter Connect.
  • Monitor inbox for instructions on completing a mentee-mentor matching survey. 
  • Complete the matching survey. (This should take 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will receive an email once you are matched. Matches will be finalized around 6 weeks in advance of the program start.)
  • (Students Only) Review mentor list and "favorite" 3 mentors you'd like to be matched with.
  • Update Mawrter Connect preferences to receive email alerts for program updates, discussions, and tasks.
  • Attend in-person (or, virtual for mentors) orientation before the program start.

NOTE: We are only able to match participants if they complete all registration requirements and sign the agreement.

Program Logistics 

  • Key Dates (subject to change)
    • Winter Session
      • November 1, 2026: Winter Session mentor registration deadline 
      • November 15, 2026: Winter Session student registration deadline
      • January 11-15, 2027: Externship Program Winter Session
      • May 2027: Travel reimbursement registration deadline (if applicable)
    • Spring Session
      • January 19, 2027: Spring Session Mentor Registration Deadline
      • February 1, 2027: Spring Session Student Registration Deadline
      • March 8-12, 2027: Externship Program Spring Session 
      • May 2027: Travel reimbursement registration deadline (if applicable)
  • Operations
    • Extern-Mentor matching is based on a combination of factors that include preferences selected by students, interests, and background identified in program registration questions.
    • The program may be held in-person, hybrid, or virtual based on workspace location and mentor availability.
  • Planning
    • If possible, make travel and housing arrangements at least one month in advance of the program. Students are expected to pay for all expenses related to travel. Students may apply for up to $200 in travel reimbursement. See the details here.
    • Students are encouraged to visit the Career & Civic Engagement Center's Career Closet to secure business attire.
    • Capture the moment! The Career & Civic Engagement Team welcomes and encourages sharing photos of the experience if participants are comfortable, and privacy is not compromised.

Apply Today! 

Click the "Join Program" button and complete the registration questions. If you have any questions, contact Leslie Ballway, Assistant Director of Career Counseling, at lballway@brynmawr.edu.