The Exploration Externship is a four-day virtual experience designed for first-year and sophomore students beginning their career journey. Students choose from one of six industry-focused tracks, each designed to provide a rich foundation for early career exploration.

Student participants will receive:

  • Direct Access to Alumni and Employers: Each track is a curated experience, featuring 6–8 engaged alumni and sessions and 2-3 employers. Students will hear authentic stories, learn how a Carleton education translates into daily work, and get an inside look at what employers look for in early-career candidates.
  • Skill-Building and Clarity: Supported by a professional Career Coach, students will participate in a résumé workshop and guided reflection session. They will walk away with a deeper knowledge of roles in the field, clearer employer expectations, and a solid plan for their next steps.

There are no travel or lodging costs involved, no previous experience or résumé is required, and there are no limits on the number of students who can participate.

2026 Timeline for Students

  • Student Registration Window: Tuesday, November 3–Thursday, November 12
    • The registration form will be available on November 3
  • Student Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 12, at 11:59 p.m. CST 
  • Program Duration: Tuesday, December 1–Friday, December 4





Exploration Tracks for Career Interests in:






            

            
Applied Sciences

    

        


Pharmaceutical & Biotech R&D, Medical Devices, Health Technology, Engineering



    



            

            
Arts, Media, and Journalism

    

        


Media & Journalism, Public Relations & Corporate Communications, Architecture, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Museum & Heritage Management, Publishing, Film & Television Production



    



            

            
Business

    

        


Financial Services, Marketing & Advertising, Consulting, Human Resources, Operations & Supply Chain Management, Accounting & Audit, Consumer Product Goods (CPG)



    



            

            
Common Good, Nonprofit, and Law

    

        


Federal, State, and Local Government, Diplomacy, Public Policy, Public Administration, Non-Governmental Organizations, Law Firm, Law School



    



            

            
Data Science and Technology

    

        


Software Development/Engineering, Product Management, Data Science & Analytics, Cybersecurity, UX/UI Design, Cloud Computing, Tech Sales/Business Development, Startup Ecosystem



    



            

            
Pre-Health

    

        


Physicians (various specialties), Nurses, Allied Health (PT, OT, SLP), Mental Health, Counseling & Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Industrial Chemisty