Paragon One is now

The flexible way to get professional experience

Build your resume through real world projects while building a network that lasts. Real companies, real projects, real connections.
Looking to discover, launch, or accelerate your career?
Focus on building skills
No exams, quizzes, or busy work—just real projects that drive business impact.
Set your own hours
100% flexible and remote. 10-15 hours a week.
Real work, real learning
Develop essential career skills that you can only gain through real work. Learn by doing.
Accelerate your career
Nearly half of externs have landed jobs or internships with Fortune 1000 companies.
Explore case studies
Paragon One is now

Exploring career paths?

No experience? No problem.
Tackle real projects. Discover your future.

Chasing your dream job?

You know where you want to be.
We're here to give you that boost.

Looking to upskill?

Strengthen your career ladder.
Grow skills at your pace, anywhere.
Hear how Externships have impacted the careers of our alumni
Abel Napoleon
Pfizer Extern
Now works at Boeing
"Throughout my Externship, I learned about predictive maintenance, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. I met some wonderful people and gained valuable insight. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm excited to see what the future brings."
Emma Obregon Dominguez
PwC Extern
Studies at Boston University
"During this Externship, I developed crucial skills such as trend analysis, market mapping, and impact assessment. It's been one of my most rewarding professional experiences. Not only did I connect and collaborate with fellow externs and professionals; I was also able to voice solutions to challenges that impact the lives of so many people."
Valerie Fong
Meta Extern
Now works at Capital One
"I was a recent graduate with no idea what I wanted to do with my life. As someone who had almost no industry exposure, I had the chance to build my understanding of the marketing industry, research possible solutions, and present my findings to the host company."
Ashanti Stewart
The Home Depot Extern
Student at LeMoyne-Owen College
"My Externship has been a rollercoaster of insights, revealing just how much work companies put into their marketing. Hats off to all the heroes who worked their magic behind the scenes. Grateful doesn't even begin to cover it! Here's to an epic journey and all the lessons learned! 🙌"
Jose Medina
Meta Extern
Now works at Deloitte
“My Externship was a structured, intentional experience. I got to enhance skills like market research, communicating to a strategic audience, and putting together insights in an easily digestible way.”
Anisya Nair
Colton Alexander Extern
Studies at University of Texas
"It was truly inspiring to seek out companies that met Colton Alexander's investment criteria. Identifying target companies was both challenging and rewarding. This experience has helped me to develop my skills in market research and analysis, and deepen my knowledge of the sustainability landscape."
Paula Parra
PwC Extern
Now works at Guidehouse Consulting
"My Externship flew by too fast, but the connections formed are timeless. I am beyond grateful—I learned so much about consulting processes. A big THANK YOU for the guidance, support, and optimism and the valuable feedback, which significantly helped my peers and me in our career growth."
Dawit Teshome
HP Tech Ventures Extern
Now interns at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
"My Externship was a great example of how a single experience can change the course of your career. After my Externship, I started getting interviews, and recruiters started calling to know more. This has helped me in more ways than I can count!"
Aaron Garza
Colton Alexandar Extern
Studies at Southern Methodist University
"Through my Externship, I was able to successfully source, perform due diligence, and pitch privately held companies for potential investment. Anybody interested in consulting, venture capital, marketing, or investment banking should check Paragon One Externships."
Isabella DeIulis
Snap Extern
Now works at Extreme Networks
“Externships are unique and tailored experiences not only to develop in areas of your own interests but also to also expand your knowledge in general. They're easily accessible, really anyone can do them. The possibilities are there—just go for it!”
Marbella Montalvo
Macquarie Extern
Studies at Baruch College
"I'm filled with immense gratitude for the invaluable experience and growth this Externship has brought into my life. My research within the green energy sector, allowed me to craft a strategic investment pitch and provide compelling insights into this burgeoning field.”
McKenzie Templeton
Meta Extern
Now works at Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
"I don't think I would have ever had the chance to do a project with a company like Facebook outside of my Externship. With Paragon One, it felt so much more accessible to me and not like a far off unattainable goal.”

How it works

1
Find an Externship that matches your ambitions
Whether you're passionate about consulting, marketing, product management, or sales, choose an externship that aligns with your career goals and sets you on the career path you want to explore.
2
Develop career-ready skills
Through flexible, self-paced learning, gain hands-on experience that equips you with critical skills like Generative AI —giving you a competitive edge in your current and future roles.
3
Network and build meaning connections
Connect with a community of like-minded externs and seasoned professionals. Get personalized guidance and build a network that will support your career growth for years to come.
4
Contribute to real projects at companies
Work on impactful projects where your insights drive real business decisions, helping companies shape their future with your contributions.
5
Showcase your growth and accomplishments on your resume
Stand out in the job market by highlighting the specific, industry-relevant skills you've developed and the outputs you delivered to companies. Your resume and LinkedIn profile will reflect the tangible outcomes of your externship experience.

Explore diverse externships
that get refreshed on a monthly basis

Beats by Dre
Global leading audio brand founded by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Lovine
Consumer Behavior & Market Analysis
HP Tech Ventures
VC arm of HP Inc.
VC Deal Sourcing
Anytune
Leading music and instrument learning app
Consumer Behavior & Market Analysis
Breaking Games
Game manufacturer and maker of Cards Against Humanity
Paid Marketing Asset Creation
Baja Llama
Leading men's casual apparel brand
Strategy Consulting Externship Program
Jiminy's
Inc. 5000 fastest growing sustainable dog food and treats company
Data Analytics: Qualitative & Quantitative Insights Externship
Nonprofit Consulting Remote Externship
Corporate VC & Business Analytics Remote Externship
Branding Strategy & Business Analytics Remote Externship
Gaming Market Research & Analytics Remote Externship
Freshwater & Community Conservation Remote Externship
VC Industry Research & Data Analytics Remote Externship

Discover your next Externship

Select your ideal career field and we'll match you with opportunities that build your experience, resume, and skills
Consulting
Marketing
Finance
Product Management
Sales & Business Development
Can't find what you are looking for?
Forge your own externship path. Discover the right fit for you and start making an impact.
Explore all Externships

Companies that host Externships

FAQs

What is an Externship?
The remote Externship is a new form of professional work experience structured with integrated learning. We don’t do simulations or busy work—real projects, real companies, real impact.
What will I do in my Externship?
As an extern, you will dive into a strategic business problem defined by the company with which you are externing. You will familiarize yourself with the industry and problem space, study best practices, and learn from experts. Then you will use your strengthened skills to put together a concrete deliverable that addresses the core business problem and present it to the company. Along the way, you'll engage with a community of other passionate go-getters, career-switchers, and learners.
How much time does an Externship take?
Externships can last anywhere between 2 to 8 weeks. During that time, you can expect to invest about 10-15 hours per week. This includes time spent learning, completing training, researching, and engaging with peers and professionals. Other than group sessions and meetings where you can connect with the company scheduled in the program, you can do this all on your own schedule!
How flexible is an Externship?
Externships are designed to fit into your busy schedule and are fully remote and flexible.* That means you can do an Externship, whether you're in school, working full-time, doing a summer internship, or even on vacation.

Most of the work is asynchronous, done through the Extern platform, and any Externship meetings are recorded.*  

*There are a few small exceptions, please read program details.
Am I eligible for an Externship?
When we say anyone, we mean anyone, can apply to an Externship! Whether you’re in college, taking some extra classes while working, recently graduated, or just trying to make a switch in your career, you’re  welcome! We really do believe anyone can benefit from work experience through an Externship as they discover new career paths and build their resume.

Just read the program details and make sure you’re able to commit 10-15 hours a week before applying. This encompasses the time spent learning and completing training, researching, and attending meetings. Ready to get started? Apply for an Externship now.
I'm interested—when can I start?
Most Externships have rolling start dates. We fill Externship cohorts on a first-come, first-served basis and will send you a start date with your offer. If the dates offered don’t work for you, we may be able to help you adjust your start date or potentially move to another Externship that aligns with your career ambitions (subject to availability).

If you’re ready to get some work experience, apply for one of our upcoming Externships here.
Can I network with the Externship host company?
Absolutely, you can network with the Externship host company! Just like in any professional role, every interaction you have is a kind of networking. Networking is fundamentally about forging relationships and establishing trust. Whether during a meeting or through your project submissions and presentations, each instance is a valuable opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impression.
What is the purpose of an Externship?
Think of an Externship as a sneak peek into your future career, but with training wheels. It's your golden ticket to dive into real projects that companies actually use, giving you a front-row seat to what life looks like in your dream job. It's about taking all that theory you've crammed into your brain and applying it to the real world, boosting your skills, and getting a feel for different career paths. Forget the old-school classroom vibe; an Externship is your chance to test-drive potential jobs and employers, making sure you're building the skills that matter in the real world. It's all about making your leap into the professional world smoother and smarter.
Will doing an Externship help me get hired?
An Externship is what you make of it, but many students have found that Externships significantly bolster their employment prospects. In fact, 2 out of 3 externs who’ve completed our Externships typically find an internship or full-time role within a year of completing the Externship. Success stories abound, with students citing these experiences as pivotal in their hiring processes. 

It is often difficult for students to get their foot in the door when launching a career. Because the number of available internships vastly exceeds the number of students that apply to them, there exists a chicken-and-egg problem and students often find they need an internship to get an internship. If you look at postings for most full-time jobs seeking “entry-level” employees today, you'll find at least three years of experience required for a majority of them!

It takes experience to get experience, so having an Externship (or a few!) on your resume could be just what you need to catch the eye of a recruiter. Though nothing guarantees an offer, work experience like an Externship serves as a positive sign to talent leaders that you’ve developed real-world skills that will be relevant in the workplace.
Is an Externship the same as shadowing?
No. Externships are designed to expose students to real work via business projects offered by partner companies. Externs receive mentorship and training as they’re introduced to the project by experts. They then complete assignments and a final presentation or report of their analysis, according to a curriculum.
Can I apply for multiple Externships at a time?
We have some amazing Externship partners, so we understand wanting to apply to them all! That said, as most career coaches will tell you, the days of the “spray and pray” applications are long gone—you’ll do much better to focus on one tailored application than submitting the same general application to multiple postings. We recommend that you focus on the Externship that best fits your educational and career interests. If you are interested in being considered for other Externships, feel free to mention that in your interview—and don’t worry, this won’t hurt your chances of being accepted to the Externship you are applying for.
I couldn’t help myself — I applied to multiple Externships. What now?
Although we recommend only applying to one Externship at a time, if you applied to two or more, don’t worry. We will process one application and will keep in mind that you were interested in being considered for multiple opportunities. The best way of being considered for multiple Externships is crafting a tailored application for the one Externship that best fits your educational and career interests, since that will increase your chances of being selected to submit a recorded video and live video interview. When you have a chance to share more about your background then, you can express your interest in other Externships then—this won’t hurt your chances of being accepted to the Externship you are applying for.
What qualities do top externs have?
At Extern, we want to democratize access to pivotal work experience opportunities for all students. We know how hard it is to get hired without prior experience, and that access to opportunities is not equal to all students. That’s why our Externships focus on candidates’ potential, rather than their previous experience.

Here are qualities top externs have consistently demonstrated:

Passion: You’ll spend a lot of time diving into your Externship project, so being passionate about the company hosting your Externship and the project you’re doing is a must. We also look for a passion for learning new skills and coming up with new ideas.

Time-management skills: Externships are designed to be flexible, but they do require an investment of about 10-15 hours a week, so strong time-management skills are a must.

Preparation & Professionalism: You were selected for this program from many, many aspiring candidates so show up with your best self and make the most of the opportunity! This means proactively ask for help, engage with questions, be on time and present for scheduled meetings and prepare in advance.

Drive: You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t self-motivated. Your Externship will be remote and most of it asynchronous—on your own time. We’ll support you along the way, but you’re in the driver's seat.

Openness to feedback: You’re here to learn, so be open to feedback from your Extern Program Manager, company leads, and your peers.

Communication skills: Since our externs usually have ambitious schedules and life sometimes happens, proactive communication is a must.
How do I get selected for an Externship?
While the Externship application process varies for different programs, there are up three stages a successful candidate might complete during selection:

1. Written application: Think of this as your first impression: we want to hear why you think this Externship is right for you. You’ll answer one or two questions about the program you’re applying for and your interest in it. 

2. Recorded video submission: Grab your camera and tell us your story! If you’re selected for this stage, we want to get to know more about you: what excites you, what you prioritize and what kind of learner you are. You’ll record answers to a few questions through an online portal.

3. Live video interview: We can’t wait to meet you—if you’re selected for this stage, one of our interviewers will connect for a scheduled 10-20 minute call. These are short, but pack a punch! We’re looking to go a bit deeper into your background and have a conversation about the opportunities and challenges of our Externships. You can also use this time to ask any specific questions that our FAQs don’t address.
What if I’m not selected for the Externship I applied for?
We’ve all applied to programs and been turned down. We know it’s not always easy to put yourself out there. Our Externships are competitive, so we are unable to accept all our applicants. However, if you are turned down from your top choice, you’re welcome to apply to a different Externship. Here are some general tips that we swear by:

• Double-check that you meet the program requirements
• Research the opportunity
• Tailor your resume to the posting
• Spell-check your resume and written application
• Make a clear connection between your interests and the opportunity
• If you get nervous before interviews, practice with a friend
• If you are still interested in the same Externship you were just turned down for, the earliest you can re-apply and be considered is 6 months after your application date. Either way, we want you to succeed! 
What is the difference between an internship vs an Externship vs an apprenticeship?
Internships, Externships, and apprenticeships are all forms of work experience, but they differ in structure, purpose, and duration.

• Internships are temporary, usually in-person positions that often span an entire summer, where college students and new graduates work within an organization to gain practical experience in a specific field.
• Externships are short, flexible, remote work projects that can be undertaken throughout the school year, allowing students to explore various career paths and gain an edge in their fields.
• Apprenticeships are longer term programs, more popular in technical fields. They combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, can last several years and are aimed at teaching the skills necessary for a particular trade or profession.

Questions we get all the time

Getting Started
What is Extern, and how can it help me?

Extern is a platform that connects students and career seekers with Externships, providing hands-on professional experience, skill development, and networking opportunities.

Through Extern, you’ll gain practical skills by working on real-world projects with companies, using industry-standard tools, and accessing support from our team and peers.

How do I apply for Extern?

To apply, visit the Extern website, click on "Apply Now" at the top right of the screen, create an account, and complete the application form. Keep in mind, you will have to complete an account before you submit an application.

For a step-by-step guide, please refer to our Application Process Guide.

What happens after I submit my application?

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email and an update within two weeks. Our admissions team will review your application, and if accepted, you can begin exploring Externships and setting up your profile.

What should I do if I don’t receive a confirmation email?

If you don’t receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, please contact support at support@extern.com.

Account and Profile
How do I create an Extern account?

You can create an account using your email and password or by signing in with Google.

Once registered, you’ll proceed to the application form. Remember, creating an account is only the first step—completing and submitting your application is required to be considered.

For a step-by-step guide, please refer to our Application Process Guide.

Can I update my profile after I’ve created it?

Yes, you can update your profile information anytime by logging in and navigating to the Profile section.

Application Status
I’ve been accepted! What’s next?

Congratulations on your acceptance! Here’s what’s to do next:

  1. Log into your account: Access your Extern account and set up your payment details to activate your 7-day free trial. This allows you to explore the platform before committing.
  2. Choose an Externship: Browse and reserve an Externship that matches your career goals to start gaining hands-on experience.
  3. Complete onboarding modules: Review any pre-Externship resources and training modules to prepare for your project.
  4. Join your Externship Slack channel: Within 24 hours, you’ll receive an invite to join your Externship team’s Slack channel, where you can connect with peers and get support from your Program Manager.

If you have questions, reach out to support@extern.com—we’re here to support you every step of the way!

What if I am put on the waitlist?

If you’re placed on the waitlist, it may be due to limited availability in your field or because Extern is working on increasing capacity across institutions, years, and regions.

Waitlisted candidates receive priority as spots open up. You’ll receive updates on your status and be informed how long your waitlist position is held. Meanwhile, stay connected by following Extern on YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn and subscribing to our newsletter here for news and opportunities.

What can I do if my application is rejected?

We encourage you to reapply after building your experience. You can strengthen your application by updating your resume, engaging with Extern’s community, and tracking new opportunities shared through our socials - YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn - and subscribing to our newsletter here.

Externships
How do I reserve an Externship?

Once accepted, browse available Externships, select one that aligns with your goals, and reserve your spot. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your reservation is complete.

What should I expect from an Externship?

Externships involve real-world projects where you’ll tackle business challenges, receive training on industry tools, and access guided mentorship. You’ll also connect with peers and industry professionals for networking and support.

Can I cancel an Externship reservation?

Yes, you can cancel by clicking "Cancel" on your externship page. You’ll receive a confirmation email, and we will assist you with any additional needs.

Will I receive proof of my Externship?

Yes, upon completion, you’ll receive a completion email with details of your achievements, along with resume-ready skills to add to your professional profile.

How long is a typical Externship?

Externships typically last between 2-3 months.

Can I take another Externship after completing one?

Absolutely. Extern updates its available Externships regularly, so you can continue building experience across different industries and roles.

Can I participate in more than one Externship at the same time?

Extern only allows participation in one Externship at a time. This ensures that you can fully engage with each project, maximize learning, and receive dedicated support. We want each Externship experience to be meaningful, so we recommend completing one Externship before moving on to the next. In order to maintain the pace of the program, our externs will typically contribute roughly 15 hours a week to their projects. Due to the asynchronous nature of the externship, depending on your external schedule, it is possible your time commitment will vary from week to week.

Subscription and Payments
Is there a free trial period?

Yes, Extern offers a 7-day free trial, so you can explore the platform and externship options before committing.

How do I make a payment?

Payments can be made on the Extern payment page after you've been accepted. You can enter your details securely and confirm your payment to unlock platform features.

What should I do if I encounter payment issues?

If you have any payment-related issues, contact support at support@extern.com, and our team will assist you.

How do I cancel my subscription?

To cancel your subscription, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Account Settings: Log in and navigate to the “Account Settings” page.
  2. Select “Cancel Subscription”: Confirm your cancellation in the pop-up window.
  3. Complete the Survey: You will be prompted to provide feedback to help us improve Extern for all users.
  4. Email Confirmation: If requested, follow the on-screen instructions to confirm. You may also send a direct cancellation request to support@extern.com with “Cancel Subscription” in the subject line.

After these steps, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and your subscription will be canceled. If you encounter any issues, reach out to support@extern.com.

All refunds will be reviewed by our team on a case-by-case basis. Upon approval, a full refund will be issued if requested within a week (7 days) of the pay period. Access to the externship and resources on the portal will be removed immediately.

If you would like to complete your current monthly subscription but would like to cancel your access for the following month, you must request a cancellation by the first week of your next pay period. If you do so, you will have access to the externship and resources until the end of your pay period.

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