Student FAQs
Everything you need to know about applying, getting matched, and completing your externship.
General FAQs
Application & Enrollment
What happens after I submit my application?
Your application will be reviewed and you’ll receive correspondence from mbsexternships@docs.rutgers.edu. Please allow up to 2-4 weeks for us to review your application.
When is the deadline to confirm my acceptance?
You should confirm participation as soon as possible before the semester begins. The deadline for the semester you are applying for will be announced, but no project will be assigned until you confirm your acceptance.
Can I still register for the Externship Exchange course if I have a class conflict with the Tuesday Lab?
No. However, if you have a class that ends at 5:00 or 5:10 pm, contact the Externship team for a special permission number (SPN). All students are required to attend lab so we cannot accommodate other course conflicts.
What are the application requirements?
You must be a sophomore, junior, or senior level undergraduate student, or in the Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree program at Rutgers University. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the fall and spring semesters, or a GPA of 3.4 or higher for the summer semester. You must be available for our Tuesday labs from 5:05-6:35 pm for the semester you are applying for.
Project matching & assignments
When will I be matched to a project and receive my assignments?
We begin our matching process 1-2 weeks before the semester starts, and project assignments are released by the first week or second week of the semester.
Can I choose my project or change it after the assignment?
No, projects are assigned based on a detailed matching process that considers your application answers such as your experience, interests, and availability. If you have concerns, you can discuss them with the MBS Externship team.
Can I know which project team I’m placed on before accepting my offer?
No, you must confirm your participation before project teams are assigned due to the intensive matching process.
When will I see the Externship Exchange Canvas page?
You’ll be added to the Canvas course as you register, and the page will open 1-2 weeks before the semester begins. If you don’t see it, contact the Externship team for assistance.
Program Structure & Requirements
How many students are typically on a project team?
Teams typically consist of 3-6 students.
Is the Externship Exchange program online?
Yes, the Externship Lab and all project meetings are held online. Any additional team meetings can be virtual or in-person, depending on team preferences.
What is the timeline for the Externship Exchange program?
The program follows the Rutgers academic calendar and is offered in Spring, Summer, and Fall.
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- Spring: Late January to late April/early May
- Summer: Late May to early August
How many hours per week are required?
Students are expected to dedicate 8-10 hours per week, including labs and meetings. Team leads typically have an additional 1-2 hours of work each week.
Can I list this externship on my resume and LinkedIn?
We encourage all students to list their externship experience under work or project experience. However you MUST wait until further instruction from the externship staff on how you can list the experience. You may also mention your specific project and role (e.g., Team Lead) for clarity.
Will I get a certificate of completion after the externship program?
Students who successfully complete the externship exchange program will receive a Credible Digital Badge. This badge will be emailed to them within a few weeks after the program concludes.
Credits, Grading and Costs
Do I have to take the Externship Exchange course for credit?
Undergraduate students must register for the course for credit, and it is a 3-credit course. MBS students can take it for credit or “for club.”
What is the difference between “for credit” and “for club”?
For credit: Requires tuition payment, graded, and listed on your transcript.
For club: No tuition, no grade, but the same curriculum and requirements apply. Available only to MBS students (excluding first-semester MBS students).
What is the cost associated with the course?
Standard tuition rates apply. Undergraduates should consult their program, and MBS students can consult MBS Tuition and Financing.
Is the Externship Exchange course pass/fail or graded?
The course is graded with letter grades, and assignments and grading scales are listed on the Canvas syllabus.
What kind of recognition or certification is provided for receiving an award from participating in the externship exchange program?
Receiving an externship award comes with a certificate. If you haven’t received additional details yet, please reach out to mbsexternships@docs.rutgers.edu to confirm.
MBS & Undergraduates
MBS Students
Can I participate if I’m taking over 12 credits as an MBS student?
If you’re taking more than 12 credits, it’s recommended to drop a course to participate in the Externship, as it requires 8-10 hours per week of work.
How do MBS Analytics students fulfill Practicum requirements?
MBS Analytics students must register for the Advanced Analytics & Practicum course (16:137:551). This course runs in conjunction with the Externship Exchange course and includes additional meetings and assignments.
If taken for credit, does the course count as an elective?
If taken for credit, MBS students can count the course as either a business or science elective.
Are there in-person options for international MBS students?
Yes, international MBS students can attend in-person sections. In-person sessions are typically held on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 PM, with other components held online.
Are scholarships available for the Externship program?
Yes, MBS Lead Externs with exceptional performance are eligible for the MBS Externship Fellowship. Learn more here: MBS Externship Fellowship.
Undergraduate students
Does participation count toward my degree requirements (e.g., School of Engineering or Honors College credits)?
Contact your academic advisor to determine if the Externship satisfies specific degree requirements.
Can I participate if I’m taking over 19 credits as an undergraduate student?
No, you must drop a course or defer participation if you’re taking over 19 credits (excluding the Externship). Credit overloads are not approved by the MBS Externship team.
Can undergraduates participate in the program without paying for credits?
No, undergraduates are required to register for 3 credits to participate in the Externship program.
Can I participate as a freshman if I have enough credit hours to be considered in my sophomore year?
No, undergraduates must be in their sophomore year at Rutgers. We go by school years and not total number of credit hours accumulated.
Does the fee for an externship program vary between summer and fall semesters, or is it consistent with the standard tuition fees once a certain credit threshold is passed?
Yes, the cost structure differs by semester. During the fall and spring, the Externship Exchange course is included in your standard full-time tuition and does not add any additional cost if you’re already taking a full course load. However, in the summer, tuition is charged per credit, so the Externship course will incur an additional cost based on Rutgers’ per-credit summer tuition rates.
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