"Jenni Lu '16 is working with me this week, learning about careers in journalism and specifically science journalism," reported Halleh Balch '12, a science researcher and writer for the American Physical Society in Washington, D.C.

"By only her second day, she successfully pitched a news story (very difficult in science journalism!), professionally interviewed prominent scientists, coherently and concisely wrote an article, and had the piece published," Balch continued. "The article covers groundbreaking scientific research on new adhesive materials based on gecko feet."

"Jenni's experience and her success is a testament to her daring drive to jump into new environments and hit the ground running—like a real Swattie. It is a real pleasure to have her here."

From California to the New York Island, Lu and more than 200 Swarthmore students fanned out across the country during winter break to pursue externships—weeklong job-shadowing experiences—sponsored by alumni, parents, and friends of the College.

Externships offer students a glimpse into the world of work after Swarthmore. They span a broad range of occupations and professions, from art galleries, businesses, educational institutions, environmental interest groups and financial firms to high-tech startups, hospitals, law firms, publishing, and think tanks.

It's a win-win for sponsors and externs alike. During extern week, accolades arrived from the Twitterverse: "Just finished hosting two terrific neuroscience majors as externs in my lab!" And "Day 2 with the extern from Swarthmore! It's been a great experience for us both!" Alumni around the country were invited to send photos of their experiences, and Swarthmore photographer Larry Kesterson caught up with several in New York, Philadelphia, and Swarthmore.

Left to right, Osazenoriuwa Ebose '15 joined development manager Amber Adamson '01 and Jenna Cody '16 on Boat House Row in Philadelphia for an externship with Students Run Philly Style", a nonprofit organization that pairs volunteers with students to achieve success through running.

In New York City, Gabriela Campoverde '15 teamed up with Alex Joseph '92, editor of Hue, the Fashion Institute of Technology 's alumni magazine. "Everyone who met her liked her," Joseph said. "She really got to see what my job is all about when it's at its most exciting."

Left to right, Aileen Eisenberg '15, Daniel Gallant '98, Katie Goldman '14, and Sabrina Singh '15 during their externship with Gallant at Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City, where Gallant is executive director.

Daniel Honig '72, CEO of Structures Consulting Engineers in Swarthmore, Pa., sponsored extern Eric Liu '15.

In White Plains, N.Y., Maria Ximena Anleu '15 (second from right) worked together with vice president for Global Programs Christopher Howson '71 and staff at the March of Dimes.

Left to right, managing editor Alana Price '04 hosted Damella Dotan '15, Samantha Pellegrino '15, and Suness Jones '16 at the San Francisco-based magazine Tikkun, whose mission is to build bridges between religious and secular progressives around issues including social justice, nonviolence, and environmental responsibility.

In Chicago, Spencer Friske '16 (right) got a closer look at careers in finance at Duff & Phelps, where Jeffrey Gordon '81 is a managing director.

During his externship at LION Inc. in Dayton, Ohio, Suhwan In '13 (right) brought to the table "a lot of thoughtful questions" about the company, said CEO Steve Schwartz '84. LION Inc. provides uniforms and logistics to the law enforcement, fire and rescue, and military and government markets at home and abroad.

At the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., Goldman Sachs Fellow Allison Marsh '98 explored the archives with extern Morgan Williams '14. She also sponsored Summer Sloane-Britt '16. Marsh is researching the systems engineering that supports New York's Grand Central Station, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Left to right, Osazenoriuwa Ebose '15 joined development manager Amber Adamson '01 and Jenna Cody '16 on Boat House Row in Philadelphia for an externship with Students Run Philly Style", a nonprofit organization that pairs volunteers with students to achieve success through running.

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