The main difference between an externship and an internship is their length. While both are designed to give students hands-on experience in their field of study, internships usually last for 12 weeks or longer, while externships tend to last anywhere from two to six weeks.
Externships are usually unpaid and can be part-time or full-time, but they’re not considered “internships” because official higher education institutions don’t award them.
Externship vs Internship: Applications
While internships are typically found in many fields, externships are primarily used in health science or medical professions. Externships allow students to gain experience in their field without having to commit to the full-time commitment of an internship. The stipend for an externship is usually around $400 per week.
Externships also differ from internships in that they tend to be shorter, lasting from one month to three months. Interns often spend two years working and learning before graduating with advanced degrees and certifications that help them get jobs more quickly than if they had just graduated from college with no work experience.
Externship vs Internship: Work Focus
Interns often work with the company, while externs may work with the company’s customers. This can include researching and supporting a sales or customer service team.
Externships are often more practical than internships because they involve hands-on experience and real-world learning. You’re not just observing or shadowing someone else; you’re doing the job yourself.
But don’t let that scare you off if you want to do an internship! Many of my favorite companies have run both types of programs concurrently—sometimes even within the same department! If possible, ask if your potential employer would consider letting you do one type or another instead of deciding right away between them (though this isn’t always possible).
Externship vs Internship: Participation Difference
Interns are students or recent graduates who work at a company for a set period as a part of their formal education. Externships are similar, but they’re open to people at all stages in life—even high school students. Externships can be a great way to get your foot in the door when you don’t have an internship or job experience under your belt yet.
Externship vs Internship: Career Prospects
Externships are usually short-term, and they’re used to train people in a specific field. On the other hand, internships are often used as an opportunity for students to gain experience. Still, interns don’t necessarily choose the industry they want to work in during their time there.
If you’re looking for an externship that will help you decide if a healthcare career is right for you and help improve your job prospects once school is over, then it’s best to find an internship program that offers training and hands-on experience within the medical field.
Externship vs Internship: Which One is More Structured?
Internships are generally longer and more structured than externships. Internships usually require a college degree, while anyone can do externships.
Internship programs typically last between three to six months, with most internships lasting four to five months (sometimes even longer). Externship programs are usually shorter, ranging from one week to two months in length. Some companies may offer flexible schedules for their interns, allowing them to work part-time during the day or evening if needed.
Externships are not required for undergraduate students; however, many universities still encourage students to complete an internship before graduation, providing valuable real-world experience that cannot be gained otherwise.
That’s all for now.
If you’ve any questions about Externship vs Internship, feel free to reach out to us in the comments below.
