Externships are short-term programs provided by companies or organizations to give students real-world exposure to their chosen field. They allow you to shadow professionals and observe daily operations.
Unlike internships, which often include set tasks or projects over several months, externships are shorter and primarily observational.
Think of them as a behind-the-scenes look at your future career. These opportunities are offered directly by employers, including in the healthcare sector. They bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical experience.
So, if you’re a healthcare student (or are planning on becoming one), let’s explore how you could potentially use externships to land your first job.
Research Healthcare Employers Offering Externships
Start by identifying employers that align with your career goals. Look for hospitals, clinics, or specialized practices in your desired field.
Many healthcare facilities partner with schools to offer externship opportunities.
Technical schools in Wyomissing PA (which offer programs in healthcare such as dental assisting, medical billing, and medical clinical assisting), for example, might help connect you with a relevant externship.
Use school resources or online platforms to discover programs near you. Narrow down options based on location and specialties that interest you most.
Tailor Your Application to Highlight Relevant Skills
Craft an application that directly reflects the skills needed. Include specific coursework, certifications, or volunteer work that aligns with the externship requirements. And mention any relevant experience that shows your readiness for a clinical setting.
Customize your resume and cover letter for each opportunity. For example, if applying for a medical assisting externship, emphasize administrative abilities like scheduling appointments or managing patient records.
This targeted approach demonstrates initiative and professionalism—qualities employers value when considering candidates for their programs.
Make the Most of Shadowing Opportunities During Your Externship
While shadowing professionals, pay close attention to how they handle their responsibilities. Observe communication styles, patient interactions, and problem-solving approaches in real scenarios.
Don’t just stand by quietly—ask thoughtful questions about processes or procedures you see. For instance, if you're shadowing a nurse during patient rounds, inquire about workflow management or specific care protocols.
Show enthusiasm by actively engaging in tasks you’re allowed to assist with. A proactive attitude makes a lasting impression on supervisors and demonstrates your commitment to learning.
Network Actively with Professionals at the Organization
Building connections during your externship can open doors for future opportunities. So, introduce yourself to team members and express interest in their roles. Genuine curiosity leaves a positive impression.
Engage in meaningful conversations about career paths or industry trends. For instance, ask a technician how they transitioned into their current role or seek advice from an administrator on resume building.
Maintain professionalism throughout your interactions.
A strong network within the organization increases your chances of receiving job leads, recommendations, or mentorship after completing the program.
Request Constructive Feedback to Strengthen Future Applications
Use your externship as a learning experience by asking for feedback from supervisors or colleagues. Find out what you did well and the areas where you can improve.
Schedule a quick meeting with your mentor or supervisor near the end of the program. Ask specific questions like, “How could I improve my patient communication skills?” or “What strengths stood out during my time here?”
Constructive input helps refine your abilities, making you more competitive in future job applications and interviews. It also shows that you're eager to grow professionally.
Follow Up After Completing Your Externship for Connections or References
Don’t let the end of your externship be the last time you connect with the professionals you met. Send a polite thank-you email to your supervisor, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and what you learned.
If appropriate, ask if they’d be willing to provide a reference or keep in touch. Platforms like LinkedIn make it easy to maintain these relationships over time.
Staying connected can lead to job recommendations, mentorship opportunities, or even direct openings within their organization later on.
Use Experiences from the Externship in Interviews
Lastly, leverage your externship experiences to strengthen your job interviews.
Highlight specific skills or scenarios where you contributed or learned something valuable.
For example, share a story about observing how patient charts are managed efficiently or assisting with small tasks like taking vital signs.
Frame these examples as evidence of your hands-on readiness for a healthcare role.
Employers appreciate candidates who can tie real-world exposure to their qualifications.
Using detailed, practical examples from an externship sets you apart and demonstrates confidence in your abilities.
