Externships and internships are both paths to real-world experience. They let you try out a career and build skills that you can’t learn in a classroom. They’re also great ways to network and get your foot in the door.
So, what’s the difference between an extern vs intern role? This article breaks down everything you need to know.
We’ll cover:
- Clear definitions of externships and internships
- The key differences between them
- The benefits of each
- How to find both types of opportunities
Whether you’re a college student, a recent grad, or even a high school student just starting to think about your career, this guide will help you understand which option is right for you.
What is an externship?
An externship is a short-term work experience where you mainly observe professionals at work to learn about a particular field. Think of it as job shadowing on steroids.
An externship can last anywhere from a single day to a few weeks, but they usually don’t last longer than eight weeks.
Externships are all about observation and gathering insights about a particular industry. You’ll get a chance to see how the workplace works and learn from the people who are already working in the field.
Most of the time, externships are unpaid, and they’re common in fields like healthcare and law, where short-term learners might not have the chance to get hands-on experience right away.
Here are a few examples of what an externship might look like:
- Shadowing a doctor as they make their rounds in a hospital
- Sitting in on courtroom proceedings at a law firm
- Following a chemical engineer around a manufacturing plant to see what they do each day
What is an internship?
An internship is a training program that allows you to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting. It’s your chance to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom, contribute to actual projects, and see what a particular job is really like.
Internships usually last anywhere from a few months to a full semester, or even longer.
The key to an internship is that you’re actively involved and putting your knowledge to practical use. You’ll likely have responsibilities and contribute to the organization’s overall goals.
Internships can be either paid or unpaid, depending on the company, the industry, and the specific role.
You’ll find internships in all sorts of fields, but they’re especially common in areas like business, technology, and marketing.
Here are a few examples:
- A business student spends a semester working on marketing campaigns at a local firm.
- A student takes on a marketing internship that involves creating content for a company’s social media channels.
- A rising senior gets a three-month summer internship at a tech company, assisting with coding and software testing.
Key Differences: Externship vs. Internship
While both externships and internships offer valuable professional experience, they differ in several key ways. Think of it like this: an externship is a quick peek behind the curtain, while an internship is a chance to step on stage and participate in the show.
Nature and Focus
- Externships: These are primarily about observation and learning. You’re there to soak up information and understand how the industry works. It’s like a field trip for your career aspirations.
- Internships: These are more hands-on. You’re expected to apply your skills, contribute to real projects, and generally be a working part of the team.
Duration
- Externships: They’re short and sweet, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
- Internships: They’re more of a commitment, typically lasting for a few months or even a full semester.
Responsibility
- Externships: Your responsibilities are limited. You’re mainly there to observe and ask questions, not to take on major projects.
- Internships: You’ll have a higher level of responsibility and will be expected to contribute to the organization’s goals.
Compensation
- Externships: These are generally unpaid.
- Internships: They can be paid or unpaid, but the trend is definitely moving toward paid internships. According to the National Survey of College Internships (NSCI), 69% of internships in 2023 were paid. Even if your externship is unpaid, you might receive a small stipend to help cover expenses like gas.
Academic Integration
- Externships: They’re less likely to be formally integrated with academic programs.
- Internships: They’re often integrated with academic programs, allowing students to earn college credit for their participation.
Benefits and Value: Choosing the Right Path
Externships and internships both offer unique benefits, and the right path for you depends on your goals and circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of what each offers:
Practical Experience
- Externships: These provide a brief snapshot of what a particular profession is really like day to day.
- Internships: These offer hands-on experience, allowing you to develop skills and apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Networking Opportunities
- Externships: These can help you make some initial connections and learn from professionals in your field.
- Internships: Because they last longer, internships offer more comprehensive networking opportunities. You have more time to build relationships with colleagues and mentors.
Job Prospects
- Externships: Making a good impression during an externship can certainly open doors to future opportunities.
- Internships: Internships often lead directly to job offers and valuable references. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2023 Internship & Co-op Survey Report, over half (57.6%) of eligible interns were offered full-time positions. NACE’s Job Outlook 2022 report also indicated that internship experience is the most influential factor when employers are selecting between equally qualified candidates.
Earning Potential
Graduates with internship experience tend to earn more. On average, their annual salaries are $2,082 higher than those of their peers who didn’t complete an internship.
Finding Externships and Internships: Practical Tips
So, you know what you want, but how do you get it? Here’s a quick-and-dirty guide to finding externships and internships:
- Hit up your university’s career services. They’re a goldmine of resources, job boards, and connections.
- Network like crazy. Career fairs, alumni events – work the room!
- Become an online job board ninja. LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor – search them all!
- Go direct. Find companies you like and see if they have internship programs.
- Pick your professors’ (and mentors’) brains. They’ve been around the block and probably know people.
- Don’t be afraid to cold email/call. Sometimes, you gotta put yourself out there.
- Ask for introductions. Professors, mentors, family, friends – use your network!
- Craft a killer resume and cover letter. Tailor them to each opportunity.
- Highlight relevant experience. Even if it’s just a class project, make it shine!
Good luck!
When to choose an externship
Externships are a great choice if you’re looking for a low-stakes way to explore different career options, get a feel for an industry, and expand your network.
An externship might be a good fit for you if:
- You’re exploring different career paths and want some initial exposure.
- You have limited time (for example, you’re looking for something to do during a school break).
- You want to learn about an industry and make connections.
- You don’t know what you want to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all externships paid?
Not all externships are paid. Some externships are unpaid, offering academic credit or valuable experience in exchange for your time. Others may offer a stipend to help cover expenses. It’s crucial to clarify the compensation structure with the organization before accepting an externship.
Is an extern a student?
Yes, an extern is typically a student. Externships are designed to provide students with short-term, hands-on experience in their field of study. They’re often a requirement for graduation or to gain practical knowledge supplementing classroom learning.
What is the difference between an intern and an extern?
The main difference lies in the duration and scope. Internships are typically longer, spanning several months or even a year, and involve more in-depth project work. Externships are shorter, lasting a few days to a few weeks, and focus on observation and shadowing to provide a glimpse into a specific role or industry.
What is the role of an extern?
The role of an extern is primarily to observe and learn from professionals in their field. Externs may shadow employees, assist with basic tasks, and attend meetings to gain a better understanding of the industry and potential career paths. It’s an opportunity to explore career options and build professional connections.
In Closing
Externships and internships both offer incredible opportunities to learn about a field, develop skills, and network. But they’re not the same thing. Externships are usually short-term, more observational, and focused on learning the ropes. Internships tend to be longer, more hands-on, and emphasize applying what you already know.
Both types of experiences can be invaluable for your career. They help you build your resume, gain practical experience, make connections in your field, and smoothly transition from school to work. The best choice for you depends on your goals, how much time you have available, and how you learn best.
It’s worth noting that a surprisingly large number of students—over 70% in one recent study—never take an internship because they don’t know how to find one. So, do your research, talk to your career advisor, and start looking early!