Do you know the difference between an internship and an externship? Many people don’t realize that these two opportunities are actually quite different. An internship is typically a more formal experience, while an externship is more flexible and can be tailored to your specific interests. Let’s take a closer look at each of these experiences and see what might be the best option for you.
What is an Internship?
Most people are familiar with the concept of an internship, but fewer people are aware of what an internship actually entails. An internship is a type of work experience that is typically completed as part of a student’s course of study.
- Internships provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field, and they can often be completed for academic credit. Internships can last anywhere from a few weeks to a full year, and they are often unpaid positions.
- However, many students view internships as invaluable opportunities to gain practical experience and to make contacts in their chosen field. Internships can be completed in a variety of different settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses. In some cases, internships may even be conducted remotely.
- Internships provide students with the chance to learn new skills, and to develop their knowledge and expertise in a particular area. Internships can also offer insight into the day-to-day workings of a particular organization, and they can help students to decide whether or not they would like to pursue a career in that organization. Internships provide valuable work experience for students, and they can often lead to full-time employment after graduation.
What is an Externship?
An externship is an opportunity to gain experience in a particular field or profession. Externships are typically unpaid, and often last for a period of several weeks to several months. Externships can be completed during the academic year or during the summer break. Externships provide students with an opportunity to learn about a specific field or profession, and to gain practical experience. Externships can be completed in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private businesses. Externships can be an excellent way to gain experience in a particular field, and to explore potential career options.
Difference between Internship and Externship
- Internship and externship are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between the two that it is important to be aware of. Internships are typically completed during or after a student’s academic studies, while externships are typically undertaken during a school break.
- Internships tend to be more competitive, and usually involve working in a specific field or industry for a set period of time. Externships, on the other hand, tend to be less competitive and can be more flexible in terms of duration and work focus.
- Internships are typically unpaid, while externships may offer a stipend or other forms of compensation. Finally, internships can lead to full-time employment, while externships generally do not. As such, it is important to carefully consider your goals before deciding whether an internship or externship is right for you.
Conclusion
So what is the difference between an internship and an externship? The main distinction is that internships are generally unpaid, while externships offer a modest salary. Externships usually last longer than internships, and interns may be given more hands-on tasks, such as research or shadowing doctors in a hospital setting. However, there can be some overlap in these definitions, and many programs don’t neatly fit into one category or the other.
If you’re still unsure about which type of experience would be best for you, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your school’s career center for help. They can connect you with alumni who have completed similar programs and can give you first-hand advice on what to expect.
