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Kindly turn off all
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computers
Nancy Law
607 255 9046
NFL1@cornell.edu
203 Barnes Hall
Remember to check
your spam/junk box for
emails from Nancy
and the Extern
Program
• An Overview of the FRESH Program
•Our Procedures and Expectations
•Guidelines for Student Preparation
•Problems/Cancellation Procedures
•Follow-up Procedures after Externship
• Expected to stay
the whole meeting
• If you leave, name in
upper right hand corner of
your completed hold
harmless form, and leave
in the folder on my chair at
front desk.
•Rigid Procedures
•High level of student behavior is
expected
FIRST FLOOR LOBBY OF
SPONSOR’S DOWNTOWN
MANHATTAN BUILDING
Plan to leave a good first
impression. Leave your loved
ones at the curb.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF A
MAJOR ART
MAGAZINE
Unprepared to ask intelligent
questions
Did not demonstrate enthusiasm or
motivation.
Be prepared and willing to have a
good experience.
One student “thought” he
might be sick the following
week.
It would be YOUR
responsibility to contact
the sponsor, and copy us
in the apology letter.
BANKING BUSINESS
ENVIRONMENT
Fell asleep during a conference
call and during a client meeting
Didn’t come prepared and had
no questions or input.
Sponsor got impression that only
Juniors/Seniors are mature and
focused enough for shadowing.
PRODUCER OF TWO
LONG-RUNNING
BROADWAY SHOWS
Passive and shy, and
had done no research
on the Theatre or the
very popular shows the
sponsor produces.
Take advantage of the
opportunity, because sponsors
will notice!
HAVE BASIC
UNDERSTANDING OF
OFFICE ETIQUETTE
If unsure, ask for or to
clarify
instructions…don’t
assume you know
protocol.
Did not complete the
assignment
CROSS-COUNTRY
CORPORATE
EXTERNSHIP
Insisted on using his cell phone,
claiming it was his mom.
Take experience seriously, it
reflects poorly on Cornell, and is
disrespectful.
SPONSOR IN NEW
ENGLAND FOR WEEKLONG EXTERNSHIP
Last-minute cancel saying car
was not adequate to make the
trip;
Sponsor forced to work overtime
to finish planned research project
Plan ahead and don’t make
excuses.
OVERNIGHT WITH
SPONSOR
Respect sponsor’s personal
property including food,
phone, pets,
books/magazines,
cleanliness…
Meeting off-site? Lost?
Ensure a communication
method…
Have your sponsor’s cell
number!
HIGH LEVEL INVESTMENT
BANKER INFORMATIONAL
INTERVIEW
Student began asking rapidfire questions one after
another, as if a reporter or
hyper job seeker.
Informational interviews are
relaxed interactions; seek a
mock interview in your
college.
REPRESENT
CORNELL WELL!
Your actions
influence the way
Cornell is viewed by
the sponsor’s
colleagues and
organization.
FULFILL YOUR
OBLIGATION
S
Seemingly benign mistakes can affect
you, the organization and Cornell.
COMMUNICATION
Follow instructions for
contacting your sponsor,
and remember to
communicate in a
business-like manner.
Communication
Prepare questions/ideas
Discuss activities in advance
with sponsor
Request an agenda
Expect Date/Activity changes – if a
sponsor cancels: Contact Career
Services immediately to attempt to find
a replacement, and follow up in writing
to sponsor (copy to us) to apologize
and thank them for the opportunity.
Request 10-15 minute discussion about
the organization/industry
Reaching your sponsor – it may take a
dedicated effort
PROBLEMS DURING
2-DAY VISITS
Communication is key
Call us for advice
Discuss/Negotiate with
sponsor
NOT ENOUGH TO
DO?
Ask permission to
speak to others
Read feedback
(snapshots online),
know expectations
Career field meet your
interests?
Activities as ideas and not
expectations
Build a network of career contacts
Work atmosphere
Corporate vs. start-up
culture
Physical workstation
(Cubicle? Computer?
Travel?)
the FRESH Program is not
a job search service
You may confirm
your interest in
the field, not put
the sponsor on
the spot for jobs.
Send a thankyou note to
sponsor within
one week of
externship.
Please turn to Page 11
SPONSOR CONTACT SHEET
Name of extern(s)
matched with
sponsor
Sponsor’s gender
Preferred address
and phone
SPONSOR CONTACT SHEET
Preferred method of contact and
best time to reach
Pay attention to this to facilitate
conversation
These are not
exclusive
Do not let a week
go by with only one
attempt
BEWARE OF
E-MAIL
Guide on p. 6.
Ensure communication
is positive.
“Due to his grammar mistake, Wilbur
found a position. It just wasn’t the
one he wanted.”
SPONSOR CONTACT SHEET
Negotiating Dates:
Plan to have at least 3-5 business days
open for negotiation. You want to fit
into your sponsor’s schedule.
Two Sponsors Contact both
Does one already
have a date in mind?
If not, Schedule
longer one first.
SPONSOR CONTACT SHEET
Externship Length is specified by
sponsor.
If you cannot do the time on the
form, see us TONIGHT instead of
calling/negotiating with sponsor.
Research the organization.
Information available on the
web, the Career Services library,
and JGSM library.
Gain more from the
experience.
from
Request information
the sponsor.
SPONSOR
CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS
Sponsor schedules change – If
changes create traveling issues,
discuss with sponsor or contact
us.
Externship canceling - Be
understanding of
security/liability standards, loss
of job, etc. Come see us right
away for an alternate
placement.
Nancy Law
607 255 9046
NFL1@cornell.edu
203 Barnes Hall
Proof of vaccinations may
need to be provided for
certain externships.
Proof of Citizenship, if sponsor requires it.
Your sponsor’s
contact sheet
information.
Elevator speech: Introduce yourself and
interests, not full statistical summary of
your life
About the time of an elevator ride
Could meet the company president!
Call the sponsor between
February 28th-March 7th.
Review special contact info:
follow any notes, alternate
contacts or numbers, or
updates to your sponsor’s
availability that week.
PREPARATION
Have in mind your
suggestions for dates that
might work for you
Suggest what you would like to get
from your externship.
Review your essays so you remember
what YOU said, and the sponsor
read!
VOICEMAIL
If you get sponsor’s voicemail,
Speak slowly, give your name,
phone, email
Ask for a good time to call
Do not mention for them to call you
back
GOALS
Introduce yourself. Use their
formal name
Discuss/confirm date(s) of visit
Learn particulars: dress code,
security clearance, required
forms, and first meeting place
Discuss content of externship
OTHER
PARTICULARS
Directions to extern site
(parking and fees)
Meeting place for the first
day
Arrival and departure times
for work hours
Expected attire
Lunch options/arrangements
(check in advance what money
you will need; don’t assume the
sponsor will pay).
Special arrangements (insurance
waivers, security checks, liability
clearance, etc.).
OTHER
PARTICULARS
THEY might call you
CONFIRMATION LETTER
Letter summarizing:
The details of your externship, date(s),
time, location, first meeting, your interests
and what you hope to gain from this
experience.
Send the letter as soon as possible after the
initial call (while conversation is fresh in
your mind).
CONFIRMATION CALL
One week before the externship
begins, call to confirm dates, times,
and directions. Give your sponsor
any change in information about
where you can be reached.
Check you are on their calendar.
PRIVATE PRACTICE
PEDIATRICIAN
Student waited until 3 weeks after the
contact period to reach out to sponsor
because he had “gotten busy.” Sponsor did
not receive message well and cancelled.
Student did not realize he was being
inconsiderate, but finally learned that as a
pre-med, he had to be more responsible.
INFORMATIONAL
INTERVIEW Planning
PLANNING
logistics:
• Exactly where/when will
you meet?
• Get their cell phone #
• Be relaxed, treat as a
conversation
TUTORIAL: http://www.quintcareers.com/information_before.html
INFORMATIONAL
INTERVIEW PLANNING
Types of Informational Interviews
• Skype/phone
• In/out of office
• Over coffee,
lunch, or dinner
READ: How Does an Informational Interview Work? Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor
KEY ELEMENTS IN
PLANNING
EXTERNSHIPS
• Be ready to be open about your ideas
• Know about current campus events/recent construction
What to ask your sponsor:
• What resources to use to research in advance?
• Basic information about the sponsor (interests,
background, career choices/changes)?
Do NOT wait until your externship to request
informational interviews outside sponsor’s area.
KEY ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL
EXTERNSHIPS
• Be Responsible - Prepare answers to questions by
researching/using experience.
• Be Outgoing – But not gushy or annoying.
•Don’t force sponsor to engage you in conversation.
• Self-Assessment Questions – “Sell” yourself.
TIPS AND ADVICE
• It takes clearance for
employees to have visitors,
(often requires 3-4 weeks
advance notice).
• Lead the conversation if
necessary.
TIPS AND ADVICE
Be willing to learn all you possibly can. Do not focus on only
one aspect or topic of the work situation.
VP OF GOLDMAN SACHS
Student did not show up nor call the
sponsor. The sponsor had confirmed
the date.
He waited to hear from the sponsor,
and never tried to call himself. He
lost out on the experience.
CULTURAL
EXPECTATIONS?
If you are new to the American
business environment…
Or travel cross-country for the
externships…
Don’t assume that cultural norms are
the same as you expect! Research!
BAD INITIAL PHONE CALL
SITUATION
Please see us immediately if
anything makes you feel
uncomfortable or uneasy. They
won’t sponsor again.
WHAT DO SPONSORS
LOOK FOR IN A
STUDENT?
• Courtesy
• Professionalism and Preparation
• #1 Interest and Enthusiasm
VP OF MAJOR
CORPORATION
TOO casual, asking unrelated
questions (time for golf).
Take opportunity seriously.
Use as a learning opportunity.
DRESS APPROPRIATE
FOR THE BUSINESS
SETTING
Be aware of the environment and act
accordingly. Respect people and
their time.
Vs.
Check and change:
ringtones, voicemail,
and email signatures!
TRAVELING?
FIRST IMPRESSIONS DO
COUNT!
Be sure to review your suit and clothes
from the front AND the back!
NUTRITIONIST AT A
MAJOR HOSPITAL
Not all fields are FUN.
Be attentive and interested in the
opportunity.
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
(PAGES 5-6)
• Email – Spell check and remove
signatures.
• Calling - Do not interrupt a call with Sponsor. Leave productive messages,
and be persistent.
• Voicemail - Check your messages for professionalism.
• Wireless Etiquette - Cell phones, pagers, Blackberry iPods -- NOT
appropriate in the workplace. Don’t be too informal.
Timeliness:
• Ask in advance and
• BE ON TIME.
PLASTIC SURGEON IN
CALIFORNIA
Student lack of commitment and
irresponsibility. Take responsibility
for your mistakes. Be respectful and
mindful of your actions.
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
(PAGES 5-6)
Respect:
• Confidentiality
• Privacy
• Personal Space
EXPECTATIONS OF
YOU
Behavior
Professionalism
Respect “basic rules” of the field and your
Sponsor. Know that you are a guest.
Who’s Listening?
BE AWARE OF YOUR
SURROUNDINGS
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
Networking - Meet people, keep in touch. Ask for business cards and send
thank-you notes to all involved with you. Consider making a contact card to
give to colleagues who ask (not very expensive!).
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
Enjoy Yourself! - In a responsible and professional way representative of
Cornell.
FOLLOW-UP
PROCEDURES
Resumes: may include the externship experience under
other or relevant experience, accurately listing the length
as one day/week.
KEEP IN MIND:
• Tell us: contact sheet errors
• Be patient with sponsor and schedule
• Attempt to schedule a time to talk, even if email preferred
• Sponsor does not have Guidelines, may be less prepared
• Ask pronunciation of names
STATEMENT OF
PARTICIPATION
•
Cancel: explain in writing in advance, and
will copy the Extern office on the message
•
Complete the written student evaluation.
•
Understand that I am NOT covered by
Cornell insurance, and may or may not be
covered by the employer, in the event of
injury, accidents, personal loss, or other
occurrences during the externship.
•
If do not follow through, I will lose
future externship eligibility.
...fill out all
sections
marked with
**
A-K: Front of room
L-Z: Back of room
Or stop by 203
Barnes Hall!
Rita Boratav
607 255 6399
externprograms@cornell.edu
Nancy Law
607 255 9046
nfl1@cornell.edu