No matter what you study or where you go to college, entering the job market as a fresh college graduate is tough.
Good news: Having an externship or internship experience on your resume can help. How?
Externships and internships show employers that you already have experience with professional working environments and responsibilities. And that experience can make you a more attractive job candidate than some of your peers.
But externship vs internship? Which one is better? Or how are they different? Will potential employers view them equally when considering you for a job?
Those are great questions. This blog post will help you learn everything you need to know.
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(click to skip ahead)What’s an externship?
An externship involves shadowing a professional in a particular field, offering an opportunity to observe their daily tasks, gain insights into the industry, and build professional connections. But an externship isn’t about taking on significant responsibilities or completing tasks. Why? Because the goal of an externship is to observe and learn rather than actively participate in the work.
An externship can also be relatively short. Some last just one day, while others may last a few weeks.
For example, if you’re a college student majoring in chemical engineering, you might find an externship that allows you to shadow a chemical engineer at a manufacturing plant.
This experience would give you a chance to observe their processes and techniques firsthand. It’s also an opportunity to discover how well this job aligns with your career interests and goals.
What’s an internship?
Unlike an externship, an internship generally involves more hands-on experience. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a company or organization's daily operations.
During an internship, you may work on projects, administrative tasks, and assignments, potentially things like conducting research, assisting with presentations, and collaborating with team members.
The goal of an internship is to gain practical skills, expand your professional network, and enhance your resume.
Typically, an internship lasts a few months. Many students (both college and high school students) complete internships during summer breaks when they can work full-time without interrupting their studies. Some students also complete internships during the school year, working part-time for a semester.
For example, if you’re a college junior majoring in business, you might try to find an internship in a marketing firm. This internship experience would allow you to apply classroom knowledge to projects, providing valuable experience in your field of study. It would also give you valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of a marketing firm and help you build connections within the industry.
What’s the difference between an externship and an internship?
Here’s an overview of what to consider when deciding between an externship vs internship.
| Factor | Externship | Internship |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibilities | Observation and shadowing | Hands-on tasks and projects |
| Time | Short duration (i.e., a day to a few weeks) | Longer duration (i.e., can be several months) |
| Payment | Often unpaid | Can be paid or unpaid |
| Future Employment | Less direct path to job offers | Potential for job offers and references within the industry |
| College Credit | May not be eligible for credit | May be structured to earn college credit |
Responsibilities
When it comes to responsibilities, externships usually involve minimal hands-on tasks. You’re there to observe and learn, not to actively contribute to projects.
For example, during a medical externship, you might shadow a doctor during patient consultations but will not be directly involved in medical procedures.
On the other hand, internships are hands-on. You’ll have tasks and projects assigned to you, and your work directly contributes to the organization's goals.
For instance, in a marketing internship, you might assist in creating social media content or conducting market research.
Time
Externships are often shorter in duration compared to internships.
During an externship, you might spend a day or a few weeks shadowing a professional. This shorter time frame allows for a quick glimpse into the industry without a long-term commitment.
For instance, a one-week externship at a law firm might involve observing courtroom proceedings and meeting with lawyers.
On the other hand, internships typically last for several weeks to months, providing a more extended period to immerse yourself in the work environment and gain valuable experience (not to mention potentially beginning to develop your professional network).
For Example, a summer internship at a tech company might span the entire three-month break.
Payment
Externships are often unpaid since they focus on observation and learning rather than contributing to the organization's work.
Internships, however, can be paid or unpaid depending on the organization's policies and practices.
For example, a paid summer internship at a corporate office might offer an hourly wage or monthly stipend. Your compensation may also include benefits such as stipends or travel allowances.
According to the results of the National Survey of College Internships (NSCI), 69% of internships were paid opportunities in 2023.
Future employment opportunities
Since internships involve hands-on experience and active participation in tasks, they allow you to showcase your skills and work ethic directly to potential employers.
Successfully completing an internship can also lead to valuable references for future positions within the organization or industry.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2023 Internship & Co-op Survey Report, 57.6% of eligible interns converted to full-time employees.
Externships, while valuable for gaining insights and making connections, may not directly translate into job offers since they primarily focus on observation.
However, externships can still enhance your resume and network, opening doors to future opportunities through the connections you make during the experience.
College credit
Externships and internships can offer opportunities to earn college credit, but the process may differ, and internships are more commonly structured to align with college credit programs.
Your college may have specific requirements or guidelines for receiving credit for internships, such as completing a certain number of hours or submitting a reflection paper. For example, a semester-long marketing internship might fulfill a course requirement for your business degree, earning you academic credit.
Externships, on the other hand, are less likely to be eligible for college credit. However, some colleges may offer credit, especially if the externship is integrated into a formal academic program or accompanied by additional coursework.
For instance, a nursing externship might be recognized for credit if it is part of a structured nursing degree program that includes related coursework or seminars.
What’s the value of internships vs externships?
Internships and externships are valuable for helping you prepare for the job market. But is one more valuable for you than the other? Consider the following to help you decide.
| Factor | Externship | Internship |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Experience | Offers real-world exposure to a job’s core responsibilities and daily tasks | Provides a deeper and more comprehensive learning experience |
| Networking Opportunities | Limited due to shorter duration, but still valuable | Extensive interactions allow for building meaningful connections |
| Improved Job Prospects | Provides insights into industries and roles, aiding job search and preparation | Hands-on experience enhances employability and attractiveness |
| Increased Earning Potential | May not lead to increased earning potential | Positions you as a competitive candidate for higher salaries |
| Clearer Professional Goals | Ability to explore several potential career paths within a short timeframe | Immersive experience aids in refining career objectives |
Practical experience
Internships and externships are great ways to gain real-world skills and insights that can significantly enhance your employability and job performance.
However, internships typically provide a deeper and more comprehensive learning experience than externships.
So, internships are more likely to help you develop more valuable job skills (including “soft skills” like communication and resilience) that are highly sought after by potential employers.
Networking opportunities
With an internship or externship, you build valuable network opportunities that can help you find the right career path and secure future job offers.
But internships give you more chances to form meaningful relationships. Why? Internships provide extended periods of interaction with colleagues, supervisors, and industry professionals.
While externships may offer limited networking due to their shorter duration and observational nature, they still provide valuable chances to connect with professionals in a particular field.
Improved job prospects
Completing a successful internship can enhance your resume with demonstrated achievements, increase your chances of receiving job offers, and provide valuable references for future positions.
As a result, internships typically lead to improved job prospects more often than externships.
According to NACE's Job Outlook 2022 report, employers consider an internship with their organization or industry the most influential factor when selecting between two otherwise equally qualified candidates.
While externships offer insights and connections, the practical skills gained through internships are more directly applicable to job roles, making them more attractive to employers.
Increased earning potential
The experience and valuable skills gained during internships can help you position yourself as a more competitive candidate in the job market.
As a result, employers are often willing to offer higher compensation to candidates who have completed internships because they have demonstrated their abilities and readiness for the job.
Recent data shows that graduates with internship experience have, on average, annual salaries that are $2,082 higher than those of their peers without internship experience.
While externships can also provide valuable insights, the practical experience gained through internships links more directly to earning potential.
Clearer professional goals
By engaging in externships and internships, you can experiment with different opportunities and better understand your career preferences and goals.
However, the shorter duration of externships allows you to sample a broader range of experiences within a shorter period.
This flexibility lets you explore various industries, roles, and work environments, providing valuable insights into your interests and strengths.
If you have the opportunity, consider leveraging externship and internship experiences to enhance your ability to make informed career decisions.
When should you do an externship?
You should consider doing an externship if you're unsure about your career path and want to explore various industries or roles within a short timeframe.
In that scenario, an externship could be an excellent chance to sample different experiences and gain insights into what interests you the most.
You may also consider an externship if you have limited availability or commitments that prevent you from committing to a longer-term internship.
FAQ on externships vs internships
Are externships paid?
Externships are generally unpaid, as the primary focus is on learning rather than contributing to work tasks or projects.
Should I put an externship on my resume?
Yes, you should include an externship on your resume, especially if it provided valuable insights or connections in your field of interest.
Even though externships are shorter than internships, they still demonstrate your commitment to gaining practical experience and learning about your chosen industry.
How do I get an internship?
The 2021 NSCI report found that 71.3% of students didn't take an internship because they didn't know how to find one. Here are some tips to help you get an internship:
Leverage your university's career services. They often have resources, job boards, and connections to help you find internships.
Network with professionals. Attend career fairs and alumni events to make connections and learn about internship opportunities.
Use online job boards and professional networking sites. Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor often list internship openings and allow you to connect with recruiters.
Research companies directly. Visit company websites to explore their internship programs and reach out to express your interest.
Seek guidance from professors and mentors. They may be able to provide valuable advice, recommend opportunities, and even serve as references.
How do I get an externship?
Externship opportunities can also be challenging to find if you don’t know where to look. Here are some tips to help you get an externship:
Also leverage your university's career services. As with internships, they often have resources, job boards, and connections to help you find externships as well.
Network with professionals. Just like above, attend career fairs and alumni events to make connections and learn about potential externship placements.
Reach out to companies directly. Consider cold-emailing or cold-calling organizations in your desired field and inquire about shadowing or externship opportunities. The worst thing that happens is someone says no.
Ask professors, mentors, family, and friends. These connections may be able to introduce you to professionals who are open to offering an externship experience in your desired field.
Final thoughts on externships vs internships
Externships and internships are excellent ways to gain practical experience and insights into your desired field, setting the foundation for your future career success.
When deciding between the two, consider your goals, preferences, and the level of involvement you seek.
Whether you prioritize observation and exploration through externships or hands-on learning and skill development through internships, both paths offer valuable opportunities.
Special thanks to Ameer Drane for writing this blog post.
Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
