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Undergraduate Eller Career Connections

What is an Eller Career Connection?

Eller Career Connections (ECCs) were formerly called "externships." These experiences are virtual or in-person informational interviews meant to provide you with an opportunity to talk to and learn from Eller alumni and industry professionals. 

Students do not receive academic credit or pay for externships.

ECCs are mostly virtual, but there may be an opportunity for an in-person experience. Students are responsible for their own expenses and for arranging their own housing and transportation (if needed for in-person opportunities). When applying for ECCs, please pay attention to which modality is being offered. 

ECCs allow you to:

  • Explore a career field and a typical day on the job
  • Experience the workplace up close and personal and see what work is really like while previewing a company and job
  • Learn how to apply your academic major through discussions with professionals who have a similar background
  • Assess your "fit" for a particular position or organization
  • Make career connections and strengthen your network
  • Add an "activity" to your resume

What can I expect?

ECCs are typically 30-60-minute virtual meetings and exact experience will vary. You may connect with the host individually, or you may be in a small group of students.  You should be prepared to ask the host questions about:

  • career path and job function
  • company culture
  • work/life balance
  • experience as a student
  • day-in-the-life
  • * Select opportunities are in-person and may last 1/2 day to a full-day

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Any Eller undergraduate student (includes Foundational Business Management, BA Economics, and BSBA students)
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
  • Student must be flexible with timing to align with host
  • For the limited in-person experiences, students must be in the location of the ECC during the time period provided, or be able to get to that location at the student's own expense
  • Interest in learning about the industry, company or job function of the externship

International Students (F-1 visa) are eligible for Eller Externships because they are not work experiences. For in-person experiences, you may be asked to visit with the International Student Services (“ISS”) offices to review the externship description and to sign a form saying that the externship is not employment and you will not be doing any work during your visit.  Final approval of the externship is conditional upon the ISS being satisfied that the externship is not employment.

How do I apply?

Apply on Handshake:

  • Externships are available on Handshake.
  • Search jobs for "Eller Career Connections"

There is no guarantee on placement, but we will do our best to match each student who applies based on interest and past experiences. Applying for multiple ECCs (up to four) will improve your chances of being selected for an externship.

Tips to apply to Eller Career Connections:

Keep it simple! The ECC cover letter shouldn't take you long:
- Tell us which ECC you are interested in and why
- Indicate your priority/rank for each ECC you apply to
- You can upload the same document for each application

SAMPLE APPLICATION:

Dear Eller Staff,

I am interested in the following Eller Career Connections (in rank order listed below) to learn more about career opportunities, increase my professional network, and practice my interpersonal skills. Thank you for considering me.

#1 Walt Disney Co. – (brief reason why)
#2 Amazon (Events Mgmt) - (brief reason why)
#3 Honeywell - (brief reason why)
#4 Amazon (Corp Finance/ACCT) - (brief reason why)

Applications are accepted in November for winter ECCs. Ask your Career Coach if you have any questions.

What do I do if I'm matched with an experience?

  • Students will find out if they are selected via email
  • Selected students are required to watch an online orientation
  • Students will be given the contact information for the ECC host at the training session
  • Students will contact the host in advance of the experience to plan the details of your visit including:
  •  
    • Date and time of the meeting
    • Virtual link or phone number
    • Limited in-person opportunities:
      • The schedule for the day
      • Parking
      • Dress code (professional, business casual, special requirements)
      • What to bring
      • Expectations
    • Any other information you would like to know or would like the host to know

Note for in-person experiences: Make sure to bring money for lunch and parking as there can be costs associated with your visit and the host is not expected to pay for your expenses.

How do I prepare for this experience?

More information will be provided in the training. Here are the basics:

  • Research the organization and the person before your conversation
  • Prepare questions to ask during your visit and be prepared to take notes
  • Remember this is not work experience; use this time to ask questions, learn and observe
    • Be prepare to talk about your own experiences similar to how you might in a job interview. You should have an elevator pitch ready and be able to articulate some experiences and interests
  • Follow up with a thank you note