5 Key differences between an Internship and an Externship

When it comes to comparison between internships and externships, there are more similarities than differences. Both internships and externships provide opportunities for students to learn about their chosen fields, explore their career options, and gain valuable work experience. However, there are a few key differences between the two types of programs; we will discuss 5 of them in this compare article.

But wait a second.

What is an externship program?

An externship program is a type of internship that typically offers a longer duration of work experience than an internship. Externships are usually offered through institutions of learning, hospitals, research outfits, and specialized organizations, and may be available to students who live in the area or those who are willing to travel to participate. Externships provide an opportunity for students to learn about their chosen fields, explore their career options, and gain valuable work experience.

Externships are popular in the medical and nursing fields

Also known as clinical rotations, externships in the medical and nursing fields are very popular. These types of externships offer medical and nursing students the opportunity to work alongside licensed professionals in a hospital or clinical setting. Students who participate in medical and nursing externships gain first-hand experience in their chosen field and learn essential skills that they will need in their future career.

The peculiarity of externship placements in medical and nursing is that they are often unpaid. The reason for this is that the institutions that offer these externships want to ensure that students are there for the right reasons; namely, to gain experience and learn about their chosen field. Unpaid externships also allow students to receive academic credit for their work, which can be very beneficial. No wonder questions such as “what is an externship in medicine” and “how much do externships pay” are popular among first and second-year students of medicine.

5 Key differences between an internship and an externship

Internships and externships are comparably beneficial for students. However, there are some key differences between the two types of programs that students should be aware of.

1. An internship is typically shorter in duration than an externship

An internship is typically a shorter-duration work experience than an externship. Internships typically last for a few weeks or months, whereas externships can last for several months or even a year or more. This is because internships are generally designed as short-term opportunities to gain experience in a particular field, whereas externships can be seen as more of a trial period to determine whether someone might enjoy working in that field on a full-time basis.

The different durations of these two types of work experience also reflect how they differ in terms of how much responsibility and independence interns and externs typically have. Interns are largely given tasks and responsibilities that align with their education and career goals, whereas people in externships may have more freedom to act independently and genuinely contribute to the success of the organization. While there are exceptions to this general rule, the shorter duration of internships means that they may not be appropriate for individuals who want or need more time to develop new skills and abilities over a longer period of time. Nevertheless, despite these considerations, many people see internships as valuable experiences that can help them get ahead in their professional development, whether through gaining new knowledge or exploring future career paths.

Ultimately, choosing between an internship vs an externship will depend on each individual’s goals and needs.

2. Internships are sometimes unpaid, while externships offer a small salary or stipend

Internships and externships are two very different types of work experiences. Internships are usually unpaid, involving a temporary position that allows students to acquire hands-on skills and gain valuable industry experience. On the other hand, an externship is typically associated with a small salary or stipend, and is often used as a term for an apprenticeship program in a particular field.

Although both internships and externships can offer valuable opportunities for learning and career development, they each have unique features and benefits and salaries. Ultimately, the type of work experience that is right for you will depend on your individual goals and preferences. Whether you choose to focus on salary or exposure to the field, there is sure to be an internship or externship that fits your needs. We have a guide on how to apply for internships here on our website.

3. Externships are more likely to lead to a job offer than internships

When looking to gain practical work experience in a specific field, many people consider internships and externships. While both of these opportunities can provide valuable insight into the world of work and help to develop professional skills, externships are generally seen as being more beneficial to jobseekers.

The employability of people taking externships is due, in part, to the fact that externships tend to be more closely linked to hiring offers than internships. Externs typically have a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in their chosen industry, and they are more likely to be able to demonstrate the value that they might bring to an organization. Additionally, employers often see externs as being better prepared for the rigors of a full-time job, due in part to the higher level of responsibility they are given as compared to interns.

Overall, then, externships offer a clear path towards landing your dream job, making them an ideal choice for anyone seeking career advancement or looking to jumpstart their professional life.

4. Interns often have more hands-on work experience, while externs may do more observing

Internships and externships are two different kinds of work experience that young professionals can pursue while they are still in school or just starting out on their careers. Internships tend to be more hands-on, placing interns in situations where they have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals and gain real-world experience. In contrast, externships often prioritize observation, with externs staying away from more hands-on tasks and instead focusing on learning about the industry as a whole.

Of course, many internship and externship roles share some qualities as well; for example, both internship and externship jobs may involve working on group projects or collaborating with coworkers. Ultimately, which kind of work experience you choose will depend largely on your personal goals and preferences, but it is important to note the key differences between these positions in order to make an informed decision.

5. Externship programs are offered by colleges and universities, while internship programs are typically offered by businesses

Unlike college externships or university externships, which are typically offered by educational institutions, research organizations and medical facilities, internship programs in businesses tend to be more practical in nature. Typically, these internships involve a formal offer letter, which outlines the key responsibilities and expectations of the position.

Interns also typically have regular check-ins with their managers and supervisors, who assess their performance and provide feedback throughout the duration of the program. In addition, internships often include a dedicated training curriculum or a mentorship program to help equip interns with the necessary skills and knowledge for success in their given field.

Overall, internship programs are an excellent way for recent college graduates to gain valuable experience and build their professional networks, making them an important part of any successful career trajectory.

Wrapping up.

So, if you’re looking for an opportunity to gain some real-world experience in your desired field, an externship might be the better option. But don’t forget about internships – they can offer a wealth of opportunities as well. If you’re interested in pursuing an internship, be sure to check out our guide on how to write a cover letter for internship applications. And if you have any questions or want more advice, don’t hesitate to contact Scholarships World. We love helping students and professionals achieve their career goals!