Cornell FRESH Program

The FRESH Program offers career-exploration opportunities for Cornell first-year students during Spring break (March 20—27, 2010). No compensation is involved, and students are responsible for their own transportation and accommodations.

We encourage freshmen to explore broadly, as they may have multiple interests but have not yet determined their academic major. Some freshmen may already have identified career interests, and the externship visit will provide them hands-on exposure to assess their “fit” with that industry. The visit could last longer than one or two days, for a project, if the sponsor chooses this option. 

What activities are beneficial to students?

• Talk with the student about your academic background, your career field, your career path and decision-making, your organization, and your job responsibilities.
• Have the student attend appointments and meetings with you, if feasible.
• Set up a meeting with others in your organization (esp. varying levels and positions).
• Arrange a tour, or assign a career-related project or task.

How are students selected?
Freshmen from all colleges are eligible, and sponsors can list preferences of college/major (Keep in mind, many freshmen will not yet have a major.) or interests based on your background, field, organization, or project. You specify your preferences and Cornell will match an extern with you. Our goal is to match as many students with win-win experiences as possible.

Retired? Travel? In graduate school? Work in a confidential setting?  
If your work setting is not conducive to visits from students, or if you are retired or between jobs, we encourage you to offer an informational interview in the form of a lunch/dinner meeting or phone interview. Even brief interaction with alumni, professionals and graduate students can provide a wealth of information to a student weighing career and academic decisions.

Ready to become a sponsor?
Register online or download the pdf and fax (607/255-3060) the registration form.

Registration Deadlines:
Register by January 11, 2010, to be included in the initial application period, or February 1, 2010, for inclusion in the Open Round.

Need more information?
Contact Nancy Law, NFL1@cornell.edu or 607/255-9046.

Other resources for sponsors:
FRESH Sponsor Timeline
Guidelines for New FRESH Sponsors
Guidelines for Matched FRESH Sponsors
FRESH Student Comments
FRESH Sponsor Comments
Partial Recent FRESH Organization List