Internships vs. Externships: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between internships and externships is that internships are typically longer and more structured whereas externships are shorter and more focused on observation and shadowing.
Before we move to more differences, let’s first understand Internships and Externships:
- Internships: An internship is a structured work experience that typically lasts several weeks or months and is designed to give students or recent graduates practical experience in a particular field or industry.
- Externships: An externship is a shorter-term program that allows participants to observe and shadow professionals in a particular field or industry.
Now, let’s get to Internships vs Externships:
Major differences between Internships and Externships
| Internships | Externships |
|---|---|
| Interns are usually involved in a variety of tasks and projects. | Externs observe and ask questions but are not directly involved in the work. |
| Internships are often offered to students or recent graduates. | Externships are often open to professionals who want to explore a new field or industry. |
| Internships are often paid. | Externships may be unpaid or offer only a stipend. |
| Internships may require more formal training or orientation. | Externships may be more informal. |
| Internships may offer more opportunities for networking and professional development. | Externships may be more focused on learning about a particular field or industry. |
So, these are the main differences between the entities.
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