Externship vs Internship: What’s the Difference?

This article was originally written by The Muse Editors and was published on the muse.

Jumping into career development can feel confusing, especially with terms like externship vs internship being thrown around. These opportunities are key when you’re looking to gain experience in your field—but while they sound similar, each offers unique experiences and benefits.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between externship vs internship, their benefits, and which might be better for you.

What is an internship?

“An internship is an extended work experience where you actively participate in tasks and projects within an organization,” says Milly Barker, tech entrepreneur and founder of global EOR platform RemotePad. “Internships last several weeks to months, giving you hands-on experience in your chosen field.”

Internships can be paid or unpaid and can frequently lead to full-time jobs. During an internship, you’ll work on meaningful tasks, contribute to projects, and learn from professionals in a structured setting, which is key for building practical skills and understanding your career’s responsibilities.

Benefits of an internship

Internships come with many benefits that are important for building a successful career.

Provide in-depth experience

Want real-world experience in your chosen field? You need an internship. One can offer you the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge learned in school to practical situations. This hands-on experience not only deepens your understanding of your industry but also prepares you for future roles by familiarizing you with workplace dynamics and expectations.

Employers value candidates who have completed internships because they demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, as well as a proven ability to adapt to real-world challenges.

Develop skills

Internships help you build essential skills like effective communication, working collaboratively in teams, and solving complex problems. These skills are applicable across nearly every industry.

By refining these abilities during an internship, you’ll be prepared to meet the demands of diverse workplace environments—and you’ll be a more appealing candidate to potential employers.

Build a professional network

Engaging in an internship provides a fantastic opportunity to meet and interact with seasoned industry professionals—and establish valuable connections that could last your entire career.

Networking during your internship can introduce you to mentors who can offer guidance, colleagues who can share insights, and potential employers who may consider you for future positions. These connections can open doors to new opportunities and help you navigate your career path more effectively.

Enhance your resume with real-world experience

Featuring an internship on your resume demonstrates a proactive approach to gaining experience and a willingness to work hard. It serves as tangible evidence of your skills and practical experience, helping you stand out to employers.

What is an externship?

“An externship is a short-term, practical experience where you observe and learn from professionals in a field you’re interested in,” Barker says. “It’s like job shadowing but more structured.”

Externships usually last a few days to a few weeks and are often unpaid. During an externship, you’ll see how a company operates daily and understand various roles within it. “They’re a fantastic way to explore different industries without a long-term commitment,” Barker says. And one can be incredibly helpful when choosing a career path.

Benefits of an externship

Externships also offer several advantages that can help you explore careers and grow.

Career exploration

Securing multiple short-term externships gives you a chance to experience a variety of industries and connect with professionals across different fields—all of which will expand your network and open doors to future opportunities.

By observing the daily operations and challenges of various roles, you gain firsthand insights without the pressure of a long-term commitment. Whether you’re shadowing a marketing team or observing a legal department, externships help clarify which environments and roles align with your skills and interests, helping you make informed decisions about your career path.

Gain valuable knowledge

Externships may primarily involve observation, but they still offer valuable learning opportunities. By shadowing professionals and participating in informational interviews, you can gain insights into industry trends, workplace dynamics, and communication skills that are useful in any career.

The differences between externship and internship

“Externships are for exploration, and getting a taste of a career without the pressure,” Barker says. “Internships are for immersion, gaining significant experience, and possibly securing a job in the field.”

There are a few other key differences between an internship and an externship. Here’s how they stack up.

Externship vs internship: Salary

Internships can be paid or unpaid, and the compensation varies depending on the industry and organization.

Paid internships offer financial support, acknowledging the intern’s contributions and efforts. “Internships that are paid often offer an hourly wage or a stipend, reflecting the intern’s contributions to the company’s work,” Barker says. This compensation can be an attractive aspect for students looking to support themselves financially during their learning period.

Externships, however, focus on learning and exploration rather than financial compensation. They provide an opportunity to gain insight into a field and establish connections without the expectation of payment.

Externship vs internship: Length of time

Externships are typically short-term, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. This allows individuals to gain exposure to different industries and roles within a condensed time frame.

Internships, on the other hand, can last anywhere from a few months to a year or more. They require a longer commitment as they aim to provide comprehensive hands-on experience in a specific role or industry. Internships also offer opportunities for growth and development, as well as the potential for a full-time job offer upon completion.

Externship vs internship: Hands-on experience

Both internships and externships provide valuable hands-on experience, but the level of involvement may differ. Interns are often given more responsibilities and tasks that directly contribute to the organization’s work. They can apply their skills and knowledge in a professional setting, gaining practical experience and learning new skills.

Externs, on the other hand, may have a more observational role. They shadow professionals or participate in informational interviews to gain insight into different roles or industries. While they may not have as much hands-on experience, externs can still learn valuable information and make connections that can benefit them in the future.

Externship or internship: Which is best for you?

Choosing between an externship or internship largely depends on where you are in your career journey. “If you’re undecided about a career choice, then you really need an externship,” Barker says. “If you’re more sure of your direction and want to gain as much practical experience in that field as possible, then you need an internship.”

An externship is a great choice if you’re exploring your options and want a broad understanding of different fields. It allows you to observe and learn without making a long-term commitment, so you can make informed decisions about your career path.

On the other hand, if you’re ready to dive deeper into a specific field and gain hands-on experience, an internship is the way to go. It gives you the chance to develop practical skills, build a professional network, and enhance your resume. Internships are particularly beneficial for those looking to secure a job in their chosen field, as they offer substantial experience and often lead to job offers.

By Alice Song
Alice Song Career Counselor