Teaching preschool at Bright Horizons Family Solutions in Minneapolis, reading manuscripts at Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents in New York City, or working at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Silver Spring, Maryland will be a part of some students’ winter breaks as a result of the Career Center’s expanded externship offerings.

There will be 85 winter and spring break externships this year, more than double the number that were available last year thanks to the efforts of the Parent Advisory Council, a group of parent volunteers.

The Parent Advisory Council made externships their priority because these opportunities are so popular. Last year, there were 189 applicants for externships, but only space for 30 to 40 students to participate. Laird and Penny McCulloch, co-chairs of the council, believe that externships had a positive impact on their daughter’s time at Carleton. Consequently, their goal for this year is to secure 100 externship slots.

To reach their goal, members of the Parent Advisory Council sought alumni and friends of the college who were willing to provide externships for winter and spring breaks.

According to Career Center Director Kimberly Betz , externships are similar to internships, but last only one to four weeks, giving students the ability to explore a field of interest without having to make a large time commitment. Externships are aimed at freshmen and sophomores, who typically have little to no experience in a given field.

Students can apply for up to three externships by uploading a cover letter and resume to the Tunnel and filling out the Career Center’s externship application. For winter break externships, applications are due Sunday, Oct. 5, and students will be notified of their placements by Friday, Oct. 17.

Those who are accepted are responsible for finding a place to stay, but the Parent Advisory Council is willing to help students find a host. In addition, the Career Center plans to provide financial assistance for travel expenses on a sliding scale.