Exploring with Externships

Ashlee Snyder '05 shadowed intensive-care surgeon Michael Weinstein '90 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Medicine, manufacturing, and marketing were among the many fields that about 200 students explored courtesy of alumni and others who hosted them in their workplaces for 2-5 day externships during interim session.

Watching physicians save lives thrilled Ashlee Snyder '05, who shadowed intensive-care surgeon Michael Weinstein '90 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

"I enjoyed the fast-paced problem-solving, the high energy, and knowing they were saving someone's life," says Snyder, who is pursuing a B.S. in neuroscience and A.B. in music.

"Externships give students a good opportunity to explore areas of medicine," Weinstein says, adding, "I benefit, too. It reminds me of when I was young. You're reminded of your idealistic thoughts."

John Thiel '06 (left) spent five days at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center shadowing Shawn Tilger '94, director of marketing for the Flyers National Hockey League club.

Government and law major Stephen Orloff '04 spent time with Brian Sklar '97, an analyst on the Homeland Security and Justice Team of the U.S. General Accounting Office in Washington, D.C.

"Brian introduced me to a lot of people, and I learned the ins and outs of the GAO, including how they investigate and do research," Orloff says. Sklar also suggested web sites and contacts for Orloff's job hunt in Washington.

Sklar says, "I know how hard it can be to land that first job, especially in a city like D.C., where who you know can be as important as what you know. It's a tough nut to crack. Because Lafayette is a small school, I believe our alumni have to work harder to make sure Lafayette graduates make the contacts they need."

Manon Skrzypecki '04 focused on the nuts and bolts of the machinery that produces Crayola crayons and other art supplies. She shadowed Michael Miletics '95, manager of plant and corporate engineering at Binney & Smith.

The experience helped familiarize Skrzypecki, an electrical and computer engineering major, with the management and engineering of the company's facilities in Easton and Bethlehem, Pa.

"Manon attended a staff meeting and a director's meeting. She also took plant tours and had an opportunity to speak with people about why she wants to be an engineer," Miletics says. "I think it's important for students to be exposed to real-life engineering. Externs get a snapshot of what it's like to be part of a team."

Michael Miletics '95, manager of plant and corporate engineering at Binney & Smith, introduced Manon Skrzypecki '04 to the production of Crayola products.

Stephen Orloff '04 (right) spent time with Brian Sklar '97, an analyst on the Homeland Security and Justice Team of the U.S. General Accounting Office in Washington, D.C.

Sondra Lavin '05 (above left) shadowed Alison Ziegler Fischer '87, vice president of FRB/Weber Shandwick in New York City, which specializes in financial communications and the investment community.