Externship vs Internship: What are the differences?

Apprentice programs such as internships or externships are valuable for both employers and attendees. In the following article, we’ll give more details about the importance and the difference between these two types of programs.

The main topics are:

• Externship vs internship: the importance for businesses
• Differences between internships and externships
• What are the benefits of an externship or internship?
• Tips for setting up an internship program

Externship vs internship: the importance for businesses

Internships and externship programs are fantastic tools for businesses to find new talent. Firms may assess interns’ performance and identify which have the abilities and potential to become full-time workers.

Such programs also give organizations access to new people and ideas, which may help them drive innovation and remain competitive in the market.

Internships bridge the academic world and the corporate sector, allowing corporations to form partnerships with educational institutions and improve ties with the local community.

Differences between internships and externships

Both internships and externship programs provide advantages for both employers and participants. What’s the difference between an internship and an externship?
An externship is a work experience involving a short-term placement in a company or organization. Externships are often completed as part of a school or academic program and provide students with an opportunity to gain practical experience and insight into a specific field or industry. The word externship is a mix of “experience” and “internship”.

An externship does not need you to undertake any job during the duration of the agreement. Instead, your task is to observe an industry specialist at work.

On the other hand, an internship is typically a longer-term, usually paid work experience that may also be completed as part of a school or academic program. Internships are more structured and provide more in-depth training and development opportunities.

Internships can provide students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.
Both externships and internships can benefit students and recent graduates looking to gain experience and explore career paths.

Externship vs Internship: Which one is better?

We cannot say that one is better than the other because they serve different purposes. The externship helps people gaze into a company or industry, and an internship provides the intern with some responsibility in that business.

Compensation

Externship vs internship: paid or unpaid?

Are externships usually paid? Externships are very often unpaid positions. Unlike internships, they are considerably shorter. Externships are more like informative experiences in which externs observe professionals to learn more about their roles and fields.

On the other hand, interns usually get remuneration or different benefits. Harvard Business Review states in 2021 that 43% of internships at for-profit businesses were unpaid. 56% of all interns in the United States have accepted job offers from the same business they interned for – states this case study from zippia.

Responsibility

Internship vs externship: where is more responsibility?
The amount of responsibility is what differentiates an externship from an internship. An extern’s main objective is to observe or shadow other employees and the business. This means he won’t have any responsibilities to be accounted for, nor even a supervisor.

An intern will be provided with on-the-job training, allowing him to contribute to the company’s overall workflow. A person who participates in an internship has a mentor or a manager who constantly evaluates him and helps with problems that may occur with his daily tasks.

Overall, an intern has much more responsibility in the workplace than an extern.

What are the benefits of an externship or internship?

Internship vs externship: benefits for the applicant
Both internships and externships provide value that can help the future employee in his career. Here are some examples:

Increasing competencies: During an internship or an externship, individuals may learn professional skills by completing tasks or by watching other employees resolve specific problems that might occur in a business environment.

Corporate networking: During your internship or externship, you may meet industry professionals whom you may add to your professional network, which can be beneficial later in your career.

Experience for a resume: Both internship and externship programs are a great way of learning things; employers will value this experience when you put it on your resume. This will surely help anyone starting a career or applying for a job.

Internship vs externship: benefits for the employer

Internships and externships are also valuable for the employer. One of the most significant benefits for businesses is the ability to train and evaluate potential employees. Employers can observe the interns’ work ethic, skills, talents, and fit within the company’s culture. This is excellent for small organizations lacking the resources to completely onboard new employees.

From an employer’s perspective, internships are a cost-effective option to bring in extra help for some projects without making a full-time commitment.

Internship or externship programs will help build a favorable reputation as an appealing workplace and the functional benefits mentioned above.

Employers may recruit top talent and establish a pipeline of capable applicants for future job opportunities by providing interns with practical and challenging work experiences.

Tips for setting up an internship program

Starting an internship program can be a rewarding and valuable experience for both your business and potential interns. Here are some tips you should consider when setting up an internship program:

• Know the purpose and the goals of your program. Consider what the objectives of your program are. Some examples include: identifying potential employees, gaining fresh perspectives, or building relationships with educational institutions.
• Determine the length and structure of the program. Make a list of the resources you have available for the program. Remember to consider the level of supervision required and the capacities and experience you want your interns to gain.
• Design a job description and an application procedure.
• Make your internship public. Use social media, job boards, your website, and your employees to spread the word about the new program.
• Review applications, start interviewing and hire your first interns. Investing resources in a good and thorough  hiring process will help you in the long run.
• Keep evaluating your interns, and make job offers to those that are ready and qualified for a full-time position in your company.

Internships and externships are great ways for a company to find talented individuals that may be potential assets to your company. Investing in an internship program benefits both the employer and the intern – who can become a reliable employee in the future.