Viola, We also agree that externships can provide the road to employment and can function as an extended interview. That means that both the student and the externship site have to be prepared and have the same expectations. Students must be highly trained to deal with most expectations at the worksite. The externship requirements have to be clear and measurable. Externship supervisors need a manual to know how to consistently manage and evaluate the process. It's great to participate in community events and visit employers. We feel it is vital that each school ask employers how work-ready their grads are and add training where it might be missing. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz