Externship vs Internship - How Does it Differ?

In the ever-changing world of academics and career advancement, students often end up getting confused with terminologies. And the fiercest battle between them is the externship vs internship. You see, these terms hold very different meanings but are often times used to decide the winner of extern vs intern. So, today we’ll be examining the difference between internship and externship and we’ll also be telling you what makes them relevant to your professional journey. 

Understanding the Basics

So, before we delve into our topic of externship vs internship, it’s crucial that we get the basics right. Let’s simplify them, shall we?

What’s an Internship?

You see, an internship is a structured program rolled out by employers to expose students to hands-on experience in a certain industry and it’s usually a temporary position. Also, it allows you to apply the theoretical knowledge from your academics to real-world situations. Internships are often preferred by students during their summer breaks or are pursued as a part of their semester-long commitment.

Additionally, with externship vs internship, internships come in various forms, ranging from paid to unpaid. They can also be found in a variety of industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and many more. For instance, a computer science graduate might intern at a tech company, actively coding and collaborating with the company’s development team. This hands-on experience helps him decide between being an extern and vs intern.

What’s an Externship?

Another major difference between an internship and an externship is that internships are more short-term and observational experiences. You can think of it as an opportunity where you get to observe the professionals without actually involving yourself in their day-to-day tasks and without taking on their responsibilities. Furthermore, externships are shorter in duration as compared to internships and offer you a broader understanding of an industry, helping you choose between an externship vs internship.

Like for example, a journalism student might do an externship at a well-known news organisation and during this brief but intensive exposure, he might attend editorial meetings, see reporters in action inside the field and gain valuable insights into the fast-paced world of journalism. Also, externships focus on providing students with a holistic perspective of the industry without a long-term commitment and that’s one of the standout distinctions between an extern vs intern.

Differences

Now that we’ve got the basic knowledge of an internship and an externship, it’s time for us to delve deeper into the nuances that make them different. These differences are going to help you choose the right one for you.

Duration and Structure

So, another major distinction between internships and externships is their duration and overall structural component.

Internship

Alongside externship vs internship, internships usually last months and sometimes even weeks, allowing you to take on substantial projects, work with teams, and gain a deep understanding of the company’s operations, leaving you with a more immersive experience. Furthermore, interns often have specific responsibilities that help them contribute to the company’s goals during their time there.

Now, suppose there’s a marketing student interning at a global advertising firm. So, over the course of a few months, he might work on developing marketing strategies by analysing consumer behaviour and contributing to real-world campaigns. This in-depth involvement allows him to not only practice practically but also develop experience and pick between an extern vs intern.

Externship

Externships, on the other hand, are shorter in their duration, usually ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks at max and they focus on providing a brief but intensive exposure to the industry. Ideally, externs have the chance to participate in information-rich interviews, attend meetings, and ask questions to seasoned professionals, giving them valuable insights into the workplace culture and industry practices.

Now, let’s imagine a biology student who is exploring between an externship vs internship. So, in this small timeframe, he might shadow researchers, attend experimental sessions, and engage in discussions about ongoing projects. For the most part, the goal of an externship is to give you a snapshot of the daily operations within a specific industry, helping you make an informed decision about being an extern vs intern.

Learning Objectives

Okay, even though the difference between internships and externships fades while bridging the gap between your academics and practical experience, their learning objectives differ a bit.

Internship

You see, internships are geared towards skill development and as an intern, you’ll be actively contributing to projects, applying your knowledge and enhancing your professional skills. Whether it’s honing your technical abilities, improving your communication skills, or even developing your problem-solving skills, internships give you a platform for your hands-on learning.

For example, a civil engineering intern might work on designing structural elements of a building, collaborating with other experienced engineers and applying the learned theories to real-world projects. His experience not only reinforces his knowledge but also fosters the development of his critical thinking, required in his professional realm and in answering the question of externship vs internship.

Externship

So, on the opposite side, externships focus more on industry exploration and understanding. Typically, you get a feel for the day-to-day workings of a particular field, witness your seniors in action, and gather insights that can inform your career choices. Also, you may not be actively involved in projects, but you gain a valuable overview of the industry landscape.

Now, let’s consider a psychology major enrolling in an externship in a clinical setting. During his short-term experience, he might observe some therapy sessions, interact with healthcare professionals, and understand overall well-being. So, the externship provides a window into the industry, helping him align his academic interests and go for a better fit between extern vs intern.

Choosing Between The Two

Coming to the last section of our blog, we’d say that the decision between an externship vs internship ultimately depends on your individual goals and preferences.

Internship

We’d suggest you choose an internship if you’re seeking more in-depth and hands-on experience. Internships are ideal for your active participation in projects, for the development of specific skills, and for a comprehensive understanding of your chosen industry.

So, let’s imagine a computer engineering student aiming for a career in software development. Now, opting for an internship at a renowned tech company allows him to work on coding projects, collaborate with software engineers, and gain practical experience in a real-world setting. So, in this case, the internship becomes an excuse for skill development and a clearer understanding of extern vs intern.

Externship

And we say, go for an externship if you are still exploring career options and want a broader perspective on different industries. Also, externships are beneficial for you in regards to gaining exposure, understanding workplace dynamics, and making informed decisions about your future career path.

Lastly, let’s imagine a business administration student is unsure about his specific career interest; in which case, choosing an externship at a consulting firm provides him with the overall working of the industry and decide based on his observations, his choice between externship vs internship.

How to Land an Internship or Externship?

Now that we’ve covered the difference between internship and externship, it’s time to learn how to actually land an internship or externship. And here are some strategies to help you grab the perfect opportunity:

1. Self-Assessment

Identify Interests: Determine your career goals and interests to choose the right opportunity.

Skill Evaluation: Assess your skills and areas of improvement to align with potential roles.

2. Research

Industry Research: Investigate industries and companies that offer internships or externships.

Program Details: Look into the specific programs, their requirements, and what they offer.

3. Networking

Professional Networks: Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals.

Alumni Connections: Reach out to alumni from your institution who work in your field of interest.

4. Resume and Cover Letter

Tailor Documents: Customize your resume and cover letter for each application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.

Professional Format: Ensure your documents are well-formatted, free of errors, and professional.

5. Apply Strategically

Application Deadlines: Keep track of deadlines and submit applications early.

Follow Instructions: Adhere to the application instructions meticulously.

So, all in all, it seems that the difference between internship and externship is more of a matter of priorities. It is very much possible that for some time you may find the idea of an externship attractive but then later on the notion of an internship more relevant. You see, it just requires a bit of brainstorming and a bit of setting your aims right that’s going to land you in the right basket. And apart from externship vs internship, we’ve also cleared the confusion between an Internship and a Cooperative Education in our blog, Internship vs Co-Op; you can take a look for a better understanding of your ideal professional path. Good luck for the future!