New externship program offers career insights

January 2022

In fall 2021, STA introduced STA Professional Pathways Program, an externship that allows students to experience a real-world business environment between fall and spring semesters.

To qualify for the program, students must attend a two-hour training class focused on professional behavior, program expectations and partner organization background. The student then attends a one-hour meeting with the partner organization liaison.

During “engagement day” — a full day at the partner’s physical site — the student meets with each department in the partner organization to learn more about the areas of responsibility and range of career opportunities.

In the spring, students complete a four-hour professional contact project and service activity. At the program’s completion, the student provides input on the program, which is then shared with the business partner.