Extern - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get a job?

The focus of the Extern Job Shadowing Program is to help you learn more about a specific career area through your placement. Your host is agreeing to help with your career exploration (not provide you with employment). The program can, however, help you expand your professional network which in turn can lead to potential employment.

What types of placements are available?

Placements are available in a wide variety of career areas. Learn about selecting your career areas.

How long are the placements?

Placements vary in length from brief informational interviews to placements lasting from one to five days in length. Placement duration and other details are decided by the host. In 2011, approximately 16% of the placements were informational interviews, 10% were half day long, 33% were one day long.

We review all of the registration forms to determine which career areas are most popular with students. We target potential hosts based on this information.

Will you provide me with a list of possible placements?

Yes. Placements for the February Program will be posted from November 20-30, 2012, for the May program from March 11 – 25, 2013, and for the June program (Accounting Only) from May 27 – 31, 2013. Students who attend the program orientation will be notified once these positions are available.

How are placement decisions made?

All applications will be screened by a committee of Career Centre staff members to ensure the best possible fit between the student and the host. Placements will be made based on the following criteria (in order):

• Students who have articulated their interest and goals most effectively as it relates to the placement details provided
• Students who have included a professional résumé.
• Year of study (with priority given to upper year students)

The evaluating committee will also take into consideration if students have previously participated in the program to explore the same (or different) career area of their interest.

How do I find out about my placement?

Program participants are sent an e-mail with their basic placement details. The placement package includes a commitment form (which must be returned to the Career Centre), and a schedule for the mandatory seminar Maximize your Extern Job Shadowing Program Experience. Host contact details are provided at the program seminar.

Can I put this experience on my resume? Can I use my sponsor as a reference?

This is a short-term placement with a host and should not be listed as a workplace experience. Similarly, your host will not be able to provide you with a reference.

Do all students get placed?

The Extern Job Shadowing Program attempts to place all students who attend the program orientation, however placements are not guaranteed.

I have a question that hasn't been addressed here. Who can I contact?

Please direct any other questions to Andrea Tirone, Coordinator, Career Exploration Programs and Services at extern@mail.careers.utoronto.ca or (416) 978-7764.