At the Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree program, we believe the best way to learn is through hands-on learning, and nowhere is that more evident than in our Externship Exchange Program. Our externship program offers students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in practical settings. On April 22nd and 29th, 2025, externs took the stage to present their semester-long projects at the Spring 2025 Externship Lightning Talks.
The event was hosted by Dr. Karen Bemis, Assistant Director of the MBS Externship Exchange Program, and Abbe Lynn Rosenthal, MA, PCC, DYL-Certified Coach & Facilitator, alongside a team of dedicated MBS advisors who have guided students every step of the way.
Externships go beyond classroom learning by fostering team-based collaboration. Over a 12-week semester, externs work under the mentorship of MBS advisors and external corporate mentors to develop and execute their projects. Teams are led by designated team leaders who steer the group toward success. They also benefit from weekly workshops on professional development, preparing them not just to deliver results, but to grow into better collaborators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
Externships often serve as a stepping-stone to future career opportunities. Students can use externship projects as an opportunity to refine their skills, explore new industries, and learn more about their field. By receiving feedback from professionals in real-time, students can build a network of peers and mentors that will help them develop their careers.
The MBS Externship Exchange Program has grown significantly since its launch in 2016. Originally consisting of just 13 students, the program has expanded to include:
- 190 partner organizations
- 2600 total students
- 364,000 student training hours
Our externs come from a diverse range of disciplines within the PSM program, Undergraduate School of Engineering, Engineering Honors Academy, Undergraduate Honors College, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, New Jersey Big Data Alliance (NJDBA), and more!
Students end the semester by delivering a handoff presentation to their mentors. We also host a round of lightning talks: 3-minute, elevator-pitch-style presentations. Over these two sessions of presentations, each team discussed the company’s background, problem statement, concept map, timeline, results, insights, and takeaways.
This semester, students worked on projects for organizations such as Puratos, NJBDA, Colgate-Palmolive, and more.
The audience cast live votes for best presentations and slides, and top-performing externs and team leaders were recognized with MBS Fellowships.
Congratulations to all our externs!
Your work this semester was nothing short of inspiring. Whether this was your first hands-on project or another chapter in your MBS journey, you brought dedication, creativity, and professionalism to the table. We hope you enjoy a well-earned break after your finals.
To learn more about externships, visit the MBS Externship Exchange program webpage or attend one of our informational webinars.