During Winter Break, some University students work at jobs that earn quick cash, saving just enough money to stock their refrigerators or pay the rent. But a few participated in a program that can help them attain a realistic perception of how high-powered jobs function -- and still had plenty of time to take it easy over break.
Students who worked as externs spent a week doing activities as diverse as writing questions for reporters to ask George W. Bush on the campaign trail, interviewing middle-aged men to prepare future ads for whiskey companies and working in the office of a U.S. senator.
The externship program, sponsored by the Office of Career Planning and Placement -- now in the process of changing its name to University Career Services -- offers many students a quick way to punch up their resume. To participate, students file an application with the OCPP, whose staff members search for a position from the student's list of top companies or employers.
Extern Coordinator Hilary Kerner said the program is "an excellent opportunity for students to make opportunities for themselves."
During Winter Break, about 400 students participated in the program, which is more than 20 years old, including April Shimshock, a second-year College student who externed for NBC's "Meet the Press."
Working with the program's research assistants, Shimshock prepared packets of newspaper clippings for guests of the show, greeted guests and led them into the makeup rooms. She also wrote questions for reporters to ask George W. Bush during a press conference. "With the U.Va. bubble, you miss out on the real world," said Shimshock, who believes the experience has given her a career perspective beyond the limitations of classes.
The experience also provided Shimshock an opportunity to get invaluable contacts, a process Kearner describes as a "trickle-down effect ... many [who externed] have already received internship offers [and sometimes] these turn into jobs."
A new anchor from a Washington, D.C. NBC news station offered Shimshock an internship. She said a research assistant had connections with the local news department and set it up.
Courtney Ruch, a second-year College student who externed with Mad Dogs and Englishmen Advertising in New York City, also said the program provided an innovative learning experience.
Ruch said the company, a relatively small organization whose clientele includes the drink Yoo-hoo, gave Ruch more perspective on the world of advertising. As an art history major, Ruch was able to provide the company information about how to develop ads for Artnet, a client company of Mad Dogs and Englishmen.
"I could tell them why people like art and collect it," she said. Ruch also shared her opinions with the company while browsing through Artnet magazine. Ruch also sat in on strategic planning meetings, through which members of a specific target audience were asked a series of questions to determine how the audience as a whole perceives certain products.
Even organizations whose work schedules don't seem to fit into a week -- such as the Peace Corps -- offered externships to University students. Fourth-year College student Lena Tashjian spent a week working for the Peace Corps and organized a presentation called, "Overseas Teaching Opportunities." The presentation was designed to attract teachers to travel abroad with the Peace Corps. Her most significant responsibilities included inviting schools in the D.C. area and panelists to speak at the presentation.
Working closely with a recruiter, she also actively participated in the Peace Corps interviewing/nomination process: "I was able not only to sit in on interviews, but also to ask questions of the prospective volunteers myself," Tashjian said. "I had the unique experience of seeing behind the scenes activity."
Fourth-year College student Kristin Adams participated in an externship with Nantucket Nectars.
"I had spent a summer in advertising and wanted to see the internal side of it all," Adams said.
She said she learned how the company markets and distributes its products. The office (located in a former Harvard fraternity house) etiquette was a little eccentric: The typical attire of executives consisted of flip-flops and jeans. However, "everyone truly loves what they do, and as a result, were happy to share with me what their particular job entails," Adams said.
While many students have positive experiences, Kerner said students should always try to do research ahead of time to avoid companies that have offered externs less positive experiences.
Students should "be resourceful -- find people within the organizations ... to do an informal interview with ... and be as proactive as possible," she said.
A binder containing the evaluations of previous students is also in the OCPP office, so students can find out if they will be doing hands-on work or just pouring coffee.
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