The Comm Council puts in many hours doing the footwork, acting as an agent between the student and possible employers. The student researches companies and businesses where he or she is interested in externing and gives those suggestions to the Comm Council. From there, members of the Council begin the time-consuming job of contacting the employers and setting up the externships for the student. Only 21 of 65 students were placed in externships during fall 1997. The time Comm Council members spend contacting prospective employers pays off when they hear from the students who gain insight into their future careers.
Employers are an integral part of the program.
Ceperley said that sometimes it is difficult to match students with companies who can spare the time or resources for the externship. However, those companies that do participate realize the importance of the experience to the student's career.