Pros
- Remote. - You do the tasks on your on pace. - You get "something" on your resume/LinkedIn if you really have nothing on that except your name. - You gain a few genuine connections, most of the time those who have the same intentions and mindset as you for going in the program.
Cons
1. You're just paying for a project, not really that different from just going on Udemy. 2. They say "connections," but: - you can't even use the company name on your resume/LinkedIn (you have to use Extern). - you can't reach out to people from the host company for a referral even if you did really well (you can actually get banned for this). Extern is who'll give you a referral letter, but even that is limited to a number. I have never ever heard of an instance where someone from the host company reached out to an exceptional Extern as well. - You're already paying a monthly subscription for 3+ months, and you don't get a stipend at the end. Not even an "Outstanding Completion" certificate, its just all template "Sucessful Completion." Exceptional work is not rewarded. - It's just as if companies are selling courses/projects on Coursera/Udemy, but this time its on Extern just because of those extra live mentor meetings. - No "real" chance to get absorbed into an "actual" internship or job role. - If you want projects, you're better off doing self-learn on YouTube. It's free. The mentors (most often than not) don't even give actual insider tips. We all know connections and referrals have more value than just pure experience. - It sucks more if you're not a US citizen/legally in the US. You pay (higher price for poorer countries), get no stipend (only US community colleges etc) , no certificate for outstanding work, no chance to be absorbed or get an actual role/internship/job.