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Summer Extern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Summer Extern information

What types of projects and responsibilities can a summer extern expect during their placement?

As a Summer Extern, you can expect to be assigned a variety of hands-on projects that align with your field of study or career interests. These may include assisting with research, shadowing professionals, participating in team meetings, and contributing to ongoing departmental initiatives. The work environment is typically collaborative, giving you opportunities to network, seek mentorship, and gain practical experience. Externs often rotate through different departments or projects to maximize exposure and learning. Regular feedback and check-ins with supervisors are common, ensuring that you receive guidance and support throughout your externship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer extern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Extern, you generally need a solid academic background in your field of study, a willingness to learn, and strong organizational skills. Familiarity with common office software, digital collaboration tools, or industry-specific platforms is often beneficial. Proactive communication, adaptability, and a positive attitude help externs build relationships and make the most of their short-term experience. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing effectively, gaining valuable insights, and making a positive impression during the externship.

What is a summer extern?

Summer externs are students or recent graduates who participate in short-term, temporary work experiences, often during the summer months. These positions typically last from a few days to several weeks and are designed to give participants exposure to a specific industry or profession. Unlike internships, externships are usually more observational and may not involve extensive hands-on work, but they provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into daily job responsibilities. Summer externships can help individuals decide if a particular career path is right for them and can enhance their resumes.

What is the difference between Summer Extern vs Summer Intern?

AspectSummer ExternSummer Intern
CredentialsTypically enrolled students, sometimes requiring specific courseworkUsually students in related fields, often with similar educational backgrounds
Work EnvironmentShadowing, observing, and assisting professionals, often in healthcare or legal settingsHands-on tasks, project work, and active participation in workplace activities
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, legal, and some professional fieldsWidespread across various industries including business, engineering, and technology

The main difference between a Summer Extern and a Summer Intern lies in the level of hands-on work and the focus of the experience. Externships often emphasize observation and shadowing, while internships typically involve active participation in projects. Both roles are valuable for gaining industry insight and experience during the summer months.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Summer Extern jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Summer Extern job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Extern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 44% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Aetna/CVS Health Virtual Underwriting Externship Program

CVS Health

Annandale, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 21 days ago


CVS Health rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 4,338 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 112 rated pharmacies


Job description

Bring your heart to CVS Health. Every one of us at CVS Health shares a single, clear purpose: Bringing our heart to every moment of your health. This purpose guides our commitment to deliver enhanced human-centric health care for a rapidly changing world. Anchored in our brand — with heart at its center — our purpose sends a personal message that how we deliver our services is just as important as what we deliver.

Our Values in Action support this purpose. We want everyone who works at CVS Health to feel empowered by the role they play in transforming our culture and accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver solutions to make health care more personal, convenient, and affordable.

Position Summary:

Are you a current college student eager to explore the dynamic world of insurance and underwriting? Join us for a transformative 3-week virtual externship program designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of underwriting and risk analysis and offer professional development sessions to build your professional skill set. This program is ideal for individuals looking to learn more about the underwriting field and jump start their career with an industry leader.

The Underwriting Externship Program looks to provide externs with immersive, hands-on underwriting experience that helps them understand the role of a full-time underwriter and Aetna’s underwriting organization. This program serves as one of the primary pipelines for the Underwriting Internship Program and the full-time Underwriting Leadership Development Program.

You will also have the opportunity to apply and interview for a position in our 2028 Summer Corporate Underwriting Internship Program (UIP). This program is intended to take place at our Hartford, CT office location following a hybrid work model.

Position: Underwriting Extern

Duration: Three Week Program; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 3:00pm-4:30pm ET

Program Dates:

  • Week 1: September 29th, 30th and October 1st
  • Week 2: October 6th, 7th, 8th
  • Week 3: October 13th, 14th, 15th

Location: Remote/Virtual (Using your own personal laptop/computer)

Program Overview:

  • Unpaid Educational Experience: Participants who complete the program will receive priority during the following internship recruiting season.
  • Introduction to Underwriting: Learn the basics of underwriting, risk analysis, and pricing strategies.
  • Virtual Training Sessions: Engage in interactive virtual sessions led by industry experts to deepen your understanding of underwriting concepts and practices.
  • Case Studies: Apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios and collaborate with peers to analyze risks, make underwriting decisions, and present recommendations.
  • Professional Development: Gain insights into career paths within the insurance industry, receive mentorship from seasoned professionals, and build foundational skills in communication, problem solving, and decision-making.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with company leaders, underwriters, and other industry professionals to expand your network and gain valuable insights into the industry.

Required Qualifications:

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program; Sophomore students preferred (12/2028 – 5/2029 Graduation date).
  • Access to a computer with reliable internet connection for virtual sessions.
  • Available for ALL Externship Dates (listed above)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Majors in: Risk Management/Insurance, Math, Statistics, Business Analytics, Economics (and related majors)
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Curiosity about the insurance industry and eagerness to learn about underwriting and risk analysis.

Program Highlights:

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of underwriting and risk analysis from industry leaders.
  • Develop foundational skills essential for a successful career in the insurance industry.
  • Build a professional network and establish connections with insurance professionals.
  • Receive a certificate of completion at the end of the externship.
  • Receive priority in the following underwriting internship recruiting process.

Recruiting Process:

To be considered, please submit a resume with your application. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis with the opportunity tentatively closing on Sunday, September 6th, at 11:59 p.m. (ET) or if externship spots are filled sooner. The recruiting process consists of an On-Demand Virtual Interview. We will inform you of an interview decision two weeks after your interview submission.

Embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in the world of underwriting with one of the top insurance companies. Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding career in insurance!

This role is part of an unpaid program and is not eligible for pay or benefits.

This job does not have an application deadline, as CVS Health accepts applications on an ongoing basis.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.


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