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Just starting your career? Many programs look similar at first, but they have important differences that can shape your future. Knowing which one is right for you can help you boost your skills and get a jumpstart in your dream job. In this article, we’ll break down internships versus externships, point out how they differ and give you some handy tips for picking the program that matches your career goals.
Internships
This program lets career newbies take on roles within a company to gain experience in that field, potentially as a future career. While the tasks given to interns are meant to train them, they may end up with less work or share tasks with others. More time in a specific role may be spent on getting feedback or reviewing how things are done. Interns may either report to a specific supervisor or help out different team members, depending on what the role requires.
Sometimes, interns might end up doing administrative tasks that don’t directly relate to the company’s main work, such as delivering mail or handling shipments. You may even find yourself making copies, answering the phone or balancing cash registers for the next day. No matter the task, this is a chance to build professional relationships with colleagues and mentors.
Externships
This program helps you get a taste of your dream job by letting you follow around professionals in the field you’re interested in. As an extern, you get to watch what they do and learn from them without doing the job yourself. You can ask questions, take notes and see how your skills stack up against what’s needed for the job.
Shadowing doesn’t mean you’ll know everything about the job right away; it’s more about getting involved and discovering what the work is really like. Plus, although externships are rarely if ever paid opportunities, it could lead to more chances to shadow in other roles.
Internship Versus Externship: Which is Best for You?
The very first thing you should ask yourself is, “How serious is this career option for me?” If you are truly committed to exploring this field as a potential career path, then an internship may be the better option. On the other hand, if you’re looking to dabble your toes into a broader field and get a glimpse into what different roles are like, then an externship could be the way to go.
Also, take into account your availability and schedule. Are you willing to commit to a structured schedule or prefer more flexibility? Do you prefer a more hands-on experience or a more observational approach? Lastly, make sure you do a deep dive into specific programs. You might find that one option aligns better with your goals and preferences than the other.
Careers for Internships
Internships are generally more suitable for careers that require extensive hands-on experience and long-term project involvement. They provide valuable skill development over time and best prepare you to understand complex processes.
Software engineering is a prime example since it requires hands-on coding experience. Investment banking calls for extended exposure to financial models, meaning several months of an internship. Marketing and journalism are also great careers to explore internships. You are able to spend the adequate amount of time needed to fully grasp the feel to the job.
Careers for Externships
Externships are typically better for careers that benefit from quick exposure to various specialties to understand diverse work environments. They allow you to get a feel for the day-to-day life in that field without a major time commitment.
The medical field is a prime example where externships are truly valued. Observation is everything in these various medical specialties. Law, culinary arts, education and psychology are also the best fields to take advantage of an externship program.
So which one is right for you? Depending on your career goals and what you would like to do long-term, that will be an individual decision.
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