The Northwestern Externship Program (NEXT) is a shadowing program offering current Northwestern students the opportunity to accompany alumni on the job to learn more about a variety of professional fields. NEXT is conducted in a hybrid format. Hosts can offer to have students shadow either in-person or virtually.

Students will spend time learning from their alumni hosts to gain insight into the practical aspects of potential careers. Externships will take place anytime after matches are made in December through June.

Alumni Hosts

• Alumni registration for this year’s program will take place between late September and October 21, 2024. Visit the Alumni Hosts page to learn more about being a host.
• Alumni who have registered for NEXT will receive more information regarding next steps via email after student registration closes in November. Matches will be made in December.
  
• If you are unable to host a student this year but are interested in participating in the future, please email next@northwestern.edu.

Student Externs

• Student registration will open October 9 and applications will be accepted from October 23 to November 11, 2024. Visit the Student Externs page to learn more about participating as an extern.
• All degree-seeking students are invited to participate as externs in this annual program.
• Matches with your alumni hosts will be announced at the end of fall quarter and all will take place anytime between then and the end of June. Some externships may take place over the summer, especially if they are international opportunities or due to other circumstances.
  

NEXT is co-sponsored by the Northwestern Alumni Association and Northwestern Career Advancement.