At Swarthmore, an unexpected surge in student interest in externships has created a shortage of available positions, writes Rebecca Castillo for The Phoenix, the college’s newspaper.

Each year, a group of students are given the chance to spend a week shadowing a Swarthmore alum at his or her work.

“This year, the number was unprecedented,” said Kristie Beucler, Assistant Director of Career Services.

She added that 471 students registered for this year, a 28 percent increase over last year. Externships are initially awarded through a lottery process before Career Services opens up any leftover spots on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The high demand and stiff competition has caused some students to take extreme measures to secure a place. One student, Kastan Day, who was interested in one of the remaining spots, decided to camp out in front of the window to ensure he was first in line.

“I got my comforter off my bed and just went down there at about 11:30 the night before and just camped out,” said Day. “I slept great, personally. I slept like a baby.”

Read more about the externship program in The Phoenix by clicking here.