Externship vs Internship: What Are The Major Differences?

22 November 2024

Externship vs Internship – Often many beginners in the job market or students in universities confuse these two terms.

Generally, both are short-term professional learning experiences. Moreover, both are professionally valuable for beginners. Hence, knowing the difference between the two is important.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between an externship and an internship. Additionally, this article will also explain the benefits of each of these professional experiences.

Moreover, you will also learn common myths that persist among students and beginners. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.

Definition Of Externship

In an externship, you have to perform job shadowing for a short time span. Basically, the focus here is to learn about a job profile by observing someone’s daily work routine.

In general, people who go through externships (externs) are college/University students. However, the college might not choose to give credit to the student for an externship.

Moreover, the length of an externship depends on the professional that the student is job-shadowing. In fact, it is the time that the professional can afford to offer to the learner.

Basically, the program can last for a day or even eight weeks. Hence, a student can choose to perform multiple externships during a break period.

Definition Of Internship

An internship is a training program where the student/beginner learns while being on the job. Here, the intern works under an employer and learns by working on projects.

Hence, an intern can have employee-like responsibilities. These include working on projects, organizing files, updating information, and more.

Moreover, the learner can also earn college credits by working on internships. In some cases, the employer might also offer a small base salary to the learner. However, in other cases, an employer might not offer payments to the learner.

For instance, if you are a student or a college grad, you can choose to complete an internship with a company during your school year.

Moreover, if you have enough time, you can choose to complete multiple internships. However, you will need to inform your internship coordinator if you have a school semester to prepare for.

Both externships and internships are helpful for college students to learn about different careers and job roles. Apart from that, in both cases, students can learn whether they want to pursue a career or not.

Externship vs Internship: Key Differences

The following are the major differences between an externship and an internship:

Factor	Externship	Internship
Compensation	You might get no payment in an externship. This is because the work involves only observing a professional for a certain time period.	Since you get to work with hands-on experience, you will receive compensation. However, in some cases, an employer might not offer compensation to an intern.
Length	An externship does not extend to more than eight weeks. In fact, in some cases, the externship can even end in a day. Basically, it depends on the amount of time that the professional you are observing can provide you.	An internship requires at least two months and can extend to six months. In some cases, it can require more time. This is because you are learning with hands-on experience. Moreover, you will also find internships that align well with your University schedule.
Course Credit	Generally, students don’t receive course credits after an externship. This is because the length of an externship is short.	In most cases, colleges/universities offer course credits for internships. Moreover, universities even encourage students to work as interns before they graduate. This is because students get good industry experience as they make progress. However, to ensure that your University recognizes your internship, you have to submit proof.
Responsibilities	In an externship, you do not need to complete any task. Also, there is no supervisor to give feedback on your work.	In an internship, you will receive on-the-job training. Also, you have to contribute to the company’s workflow. Moreover, if your performance is good enough, the employer might provide you with a full-time opportunity after your graduation.

Externship vs Internship: Major Benefits

Here are the major benefits of an externship and an internship:

Benefits Of An Externship

One of the major benefits of an externship is that you will learn a lot about a particular job role. For instance, as a student, you will understand whether a given career is suitable for you or not. Moreover, if you are a professional, an externship will let you understand a career change better.

Basically, with the help of an externship, you will have a good perspective on your career options. For example, if you are a business major and not sure about whether you want to join accounting or finance, you can do an externship in both.

Moreover, you will also learn how to prepare for an interview or how to build a resume for the job role.

Benefits Of An Internship

The most important benefit of an internship is that you will have work experience before you become a full-time employee. In fact, it will be a competitive advantage while you are still in college or University. This is because employers always prefer someone with industry experience to a fresher candidate.

Meanwhile, you will also learn the duties and responsibilities of different departments and responsibilities. This will help you a lot in your future jobs. Apart from that, while being an intern, you will get the chance to create a professional network. This will open up options for you after you graduate.

Basically, if your internship has been a positive experience for you, you can transition easily to a permanent job. Additionally, if your performance was good enough during your internship, the employer can even consider offering you a permanent role.

Externship vs Internship: Which One To Choose?

Both externship and internship have their own benefits and opportunities. Hence, you must assess your situation and your future needs to choose the one that suits you the best.

For instance, if you are unsure about whether to pursue a career or not, an externship might be the best option to choose. Here, you can check the daily work-life of a professional that you strive to be in the near future.

On the other hand, if you are sure about your career path, you must look for an internship with an employer. This way, you will get practical work experience in a field. As a result, it will be easier to find a job after you complete your graduation. However, you will need to consider whether you have enough time to take on a full internship.

How To Find Externships And Internships?

To find a good externship or an internship, you can use your college’s resources and personal and social media connections. In fact, one of the best ways to find an internship or an externship is by completing your LinkedIn profile. This is one of the best platforms to create a professional network and look for job opportunities.

Apart from that, you can also contact your college’s placement cell or talk to your academic counselor to offer some advice. Additionally, you will also learn about internship or externship opportunities through professional networking events.

On the other hand, if you are confident enough, you can even try a head-on approach. For example, if you want to work for a particular company that you think can offer you a good opportunity, reach out directly to them. Ask them whether they have an internship or externship opportunity for you or not.

Externship vs Internship: Common Myths

A common myth of externships is that it does not help much in knowing about a job role. However, the fact is that if you choose the professional properly with the guidance of your academic mentor, you will have a great experience. Thereby, you will know whether a particular job is good for you or not.

On the other hand, a big myth about internships is, “Interns mainly do beginner-level tasks…” However, the fact is interns do work on important and complex projects. This helps them gain industry experience early on.

Another myth about internships is that only top-performing students get internships. However, the fact is that although internships are competitive, there are many places to look into. All you need is the right set of skills.

Final Thoughts

Externship vs Internship – Now you know the major differences between them. Basically, if you are unsure about whether to choose a career or not, an externship is helpful. On the other hand, if you want early industry experience, an internship is the way to go.

Do you have more suggestions on how to look for externships and internships? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.

Read Also:

Soumava Goswami

A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

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What Should I Expect in a Part Time Customer Service Role?

Whether you are a broke college kid or looking for something to get some quick cash, part time customer service jobs are what we look for! Although there are a few disadvantages to working in the customer service realm, it is a good temporary fix! Especially if getting a full-time job is not your current priority! However, preparing for such jobs is also important, especially if you want to ace that retail job interview or do well on your part time customer service hotline. Did you know you could earn incentives if you are a good employee? If this part time job is just for quick cash, why not take every opportunity to earn a little more? What Skills are Needed for Part-Time Customer Service Jobs? To succeed in customer service, you need a particular skill set. These positions are all about communicating and problem-solving. So, here are some key skills to highlight: Your Communication Skills Communicating clearly and effectively is the most important of all customer service skills. For example, communicating over the phone with a customer differs from face-to-face communication with a customer in a store. Problem-Solving (& Quick!) Customers will often come to you with a problem they need quick fixing! It is key to be able to think quickly on your feet and find a solution! You must listen to the customer’s issue, assess it, and then provide the best solution. Multi-Tasking in Must Most customer service jobs do not limit themselves to one or two customers. You may have to juggle multiple customers, especially in online or phone support. Switching from one task to another while still providing good service will be essential. So, not getting overwhelmed is one of them! Resilience & Calm This is one of the reasons why part time customer service jobs could be difficult for some people! Not every customer is going to be pleasant. Therefore, empathy and patience when dealing with difficult or upset customers will help maintain professionalism. Tech Savviness In today's day and age of online customer service jobs, "I cannot use technology" cannot be an excuse. It would rather be a quick way to get disqualified in the first round. A lot of jobs in the customer service field require you to use basic to medium digital technology. These include software that may be used to track customers interactions, manage tickets, or handle general tech issues. Computer literacy and basic knowledge about Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can go a long way. Advantages of Part Time Job The advantages of part-time customer service work are evident if you need flexibility in your work schedule. Some of the key benefits include: Many part time customer service jobs also offer the ability to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, or weekends – essentially, you can choose which hours of the day you want to work. Learn (& Use) Your Soft Skills: Incredibly useful soft skills! You’ll learn important transferable career skills such as communication, problem-solving, and time management. In many ways, this can help you prepare for your future jobs! Work-Life Balance: Part time hours mean can work around other commitments like school, family or another job. Entry into New Fields: Customer service is a great steppingstone to moving into other areas such as sales, marketing, or even management! Plus, your experience in these part-time customer service jobs will be counted on when you apply for a full-time job! Potential for Career Growth: Many customer service representatives move into full-time roles or advance to team leads and managers over time. Coming to the Part Time Customer Service Jobs! The customer service realm provides many job opportunities, each with different environments and responsibilities. Some of the most popular part time positions include: Retail Customer Service Retail workers are the first link to customers, engaging with them one-on-one in stores or over the phone. If you like being around people and can be patient—this job could appeal to you. At the same time, you should remember that some customers will inevitably have difficulty! It is all about how you handle them! Call Center Support Another popular part-time job in the customer service sector is working as a call center support! Call center agents answer phone calls, troubleshoot issues, and provide information to customers. These roles are often remote-friendly, allowing you to work from home. Yes, this could be a tedious job since you might have to deal with a few However, call center scams are at an all-time high. Therefore, do not jump at any job offer you get. Do your research well before joining! Online Customer Service E-commerce has become a norm, so many companies need online customer support via email, chat, or social media. If you prefer to work behind the scenes, these are the jobs for you. You'll know that tech support is very important if you have any technical background or knowledge. You can help troubleshoot technical issues for customers—whether it's over the phone, through a chat function, or via email. How to Apply for Part Time Customer Service Jobs Applying for part time customer service jobs is not as tough as it may seem. The following are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success: Tailor Your Resume A great resume tip is to tailor them to the job you're applying for. That is the best way to make your resume stand out! You’ll want to highlight skills such as communication and problem-solving and any customer service experience you have, too. Show your would-be employer why you’re the best candidate for the job by tweaking that resume. Soft Skills are Important Customer service is a people business. If you have experience in soft conceptual skills such as patience, teamwork, or empathy, include them on your resume. They are the make-or-break deal breakers when it comes to part time customer service jobs. Prepare for the Interview Better prepare yourself by going through likely support center interview questions like - "Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer," and "Tell me about a time when you had to think on your feet to resolve an issue." Do Your Homework Employers & recruiters like candidates who are knowledgeable about the company. So, spend some time on the internet researching the company so you can understand its culture and customer service philosophy. This will also allow you to ask intelligent questions during your interview. Challenges are Common Challenges are part and parcel of any customer service job. However, the satisfaction you get out of helping someone outweighs everything else. Here are a few challenges to get you started – Angry Customers! Dealing with upset or angry customers is one of the hardest things you'll have to do. The trick is to stay calm, be empathetic, and solve their problem as quickly as possible. Practice active listening and provide solutions that address their specific issue. Queries Overwhelming You Do not stress! You may need to handle multiple queries at one time. But in any case, the idea is not to stress. Take breaks if required, learn to manage your time, and do not hesitate to ask for assistance from your teammates. Staying Positive It’s easy to get down in the dumps when dealing with complaints all day. But if you focus on the positive results, like making a customer happy, it will be easier to keep your spirits up. The Best Part Time Jobs to Get Without a College Degree What is the best part about some part time customer service jobs? You don't need a college degree! Many part time customer service jobs and some of the highest paying part time jobs don't require a degree in higher education. Here are some of the best bets! Virtual Assistant Virtual assistants perform a wide range of administrative tasks from their home office! These include email correspondence, making travel arrangements, paying bills, managing expense reimbursements, writing or editing blog posts, and much more. No formal training is required! Freelance Customer Support Many small businesses or startups hire freelance customer support agents to handle inquiries. This job offers great flexibility and doesn’t need formal education. Delivery Driver Not the typical customer service role if you are looking for a remote job! However, delivery drivers do have a lot of customer contact. You will need no degree, and part-time hours are also available. Remote Customer Support A lot of companies have remote customer service representatives these days so it’s perfect if you want to work from home. With the right training, most jobs don’t require a degree. So, are you ready to dive into part-time customer service? Happy job hunting! Read Also: Top Interview Skills You Need to Ace The Job Interview Remote Jobs With No Experience In 2024? Check Out The List Below

Supervisor Vs Manager: Similarities & Differences Between Them – 2021 Updated

The success of the firm depends on the employees and the ones to whom they are accountable, i.e., Managers and Supervisors. These are the two most important positions in an organization, but there are some differences between the two roles (Supervisor Vs Manager) and this we will discuss in this article. One of the most important tools that a leader can use is leadership communication and these leaders can add some layers to your company’s structure. Besides, when writing a job description, confusion arises about whether to hire a manager or a supervisor. So, now let’s proceed to know the key differences and similarities between them. Supervisors And Their Job Responsibilities - All You Need To Know A Supervisor is a leader who makes the decisions after it is approved or confirmed by the manager. In a company, if any issue or problem arises related to the employees or customers, then supervisors are the initial point of contact for the same. If the issue is serious and deserves high attention, then the supervisor presents it to the manager. Besides, the primary duty of a supervisor is to have a constant eye on the employees and analyze their performance & productivity in the workplace. The job responsibilities of a supervisor are described below. Have a look! Train new employees Analyze the productivity and performance of the employees Collecting and submitting performance reports to the department manager Maintaining and keeping track of personnel records and employee’s schedule Addressing inquiries and complaints from customers Training employees by giving them regular feedbacks Assisting employees in knowing their job responsibilities Creating deadlines and goals that match with the company’s plan. Managers And Their Job Responsibilities - All You Need To Know A manager is an individual in a high-level administrative who manages the resources of the organization and makes all the important decisions that affect all areas of business operations. They plan the desired amount that should be spent on resources, and they allocate the same to each department to reach their business objectives. Managers have the decision-making capabilities, and they manage the department as a whole. Some of the primary responsibilities of a manager are described below. Have a look! Communicating department information to employees through team meetings or one-on-one. Provides work schedules to employees Assigning tasks to employees and gives feedback to the employees constantly Evaluating employee performance and set goals for employees Organizing training and professional development opportunities for all employees Collaborating with the human resources department Organizing the firm’s management structure to streamline performance, communication, and workflow. Supervisor Vs Manager - Differences Between Them The key differences between managers and supervisors are their level of authority, salary, responsibilities, and objectives. Generally, managers are higher-level and higher-level leaders in an organization. They are responsible for team management, goal setting, and strategic planning. On the other hand, supervisors are closer to the day-to-day tasks of their teams, and they ensure that the manager’s goal (or company’s objectives) are achieved. Now, let’s get to know in detail. 1. Salary Those individuals who are in the managerial post have a higher salary than the supervisor. Keep in mind; managers have more duties or burdens than supervisors (If you compare Supervisor Vs Manager) because they manage the company as a whole, which is why their salary is high. 2. Objectives If you compare Supervisor Vs Manager, they both have different goals to meet. Supervisors coordinate with employees (have internal focus) and make sure that their work has been completed on time or not. Whereas managers have an external focus, they manage and represent the company as a whole. They make powerful plans and make sure it gives a good ROI. 3. Responsibilities Supervisors enhance the productivity of the employees and position their departments for success. They understand the duties of the employees in detail, and they report the same to the managers about their performance and productivity. Whereas managers meet with supervisors to understand the structure of the employees and their responsibilities. Managers oversee the budget and attend meetings for the same. 4. Level Of Authority There is no doubt that managers are the higher-ranking employees within the organization. A company can have many supervisors, and managers can promote the employee to become a supervisor. On the other hand, the level of authority of a supervisor is generally low as compared to managers. Supervisor Vs Manager - Similarities Between Them The job role of a manager and a supervisor can differ, but the responsibilities that they carry out are almost the same. It is because the main objective of both (supervisor and manager) is to meet the company’s objectives. Manager Vs Supervisor - With Comparison Chart If you compare Manager Vs Supervisor or Supervisor Vs Manager, there are some key similarities and differences between the two. So, to make your efforts easy, we have discussed this in a comparison chart below. Closing Thoughts The above information represents Supervisor Vs Manager job responsibilities in detail, and you must be aware of the same if you are willing to hire any for your own company. Besides, you can also describe your doubts, if you have any, in the comment section below. FAQ( Frequently Asked Questions) How Are Supervisors and managers are similar? Both the positions are supervisor and manager resemble the managerial position in the organization. Both are the sole embodiment of the strategic role in a company. What is the difference between manager and supervisor? Supervisory experience is internally focused while managerial experience is externally focussed. What is the difference between Supervisor and an assistant manager? The assistant manager does the hiring process and keeps you informed about it for the overall development in the organization. Work out the plans that can work well for you. More Resources: 3 Steps to Hire the Perfect Employee The Best Dissertation Service with Personal Manager 5 Major Tips to Increase Employee Engagement in a Call Centre Industry

Career Options after 12th Science

Above all, science is among the most popular subjects for students. Students get a lead up to some of the most popular courses such as Engineering, Medicine, and allied disciplines. There is a growing demand for science-related talent, as it pays to use the right tools to get the career that suits you best. In this article, we will discuss some of the career options after 12th science. Once you're done with 12th science, you can begin your job search at Jobsora.com, where you can narrow your search to get the best job opportunities for you. Let's get started. Career Options after 12th Science: Bachelor in Technology/Bachelor of Engineering: Engineering is among the most sought-after professions in the world. As a career path, the engineering field has attracted a large number of aspirants applying for job opportunities. Engineering is a multi-disciplined field, with advances in science and technology leading to the introduction of new disciplines. For example, subjects such as biotechnology, automobile engineering, computer engineering, and genetic engineering, are among the most popular. After all, irrespective of the trends in any market, engineering job opportunities are always in demand. More precisely, electrical, mechanical, computer, and civil engineering opportunities almost still never lack demand. Moreover, growth opportunities are always available, as more companies come up to solve several engineering-related problems. Hence, if you're good at logical and mathematical skills, here are some careers to consider: Agricultural Engineer Aeronautical Engineer Automobile Engineer Biomedical Engineer Biotechnologist Communication Engineer Chemical Engineer Civil Engineer Computer Engineer Environmental Engineer Electrical Engineer Genetic Engineer Industrial & Production Engineer Instrumentation Engineer Marine Engineer Mechanical Engineer Metallurgical Engineer Nuclear Engineer Petroleum Engineer Plastic Technologist Polymer Engineer Rubber Technologist Space Technologist Textile Engineer Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degree: One of the first course options for students who excelled in Biology is to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. It allows the student to move up the academic ladder in many specializations such as General Medicine, Orthopaedics, Radiotherapy, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Radio-diagnosis, and General Surgery. As such, the field is extremely competitive. Bachelor Pharmacy: The Bachelor in Pharmacy prepares the student for the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmacists dispense medication to patients and offer their expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also perform health and wellness screening on patients and oversees the issuing of medication. There's a high demand for graduates of this career path. Here are some of the job opportunities: Pharmacist Clinical Pharmacist Prior Authorization pharmacist Pharmacist clinical specialist B.Sc. Nursing: Nursing graduates tend to find job opportunities at private and government hospitals, nursing homes. It's no wonder that one of the best parts of the nursing profession is that nurses never remain unemployed. As more nursing homes and private healthcare institutions mushroom everywhere, the probability of getting a respectful nursing position is high. Some of the positions include: Assistant Nursing Superintendent Community Health Nurse Department Supervisor Deputy Nursing Superintendent Director of Nursing Industrial Nurse Nursing Service Administrators Nursing Service overseas Nursing Superintendent Nursing Supervisor or Ward Sister Staff Nurse Teacher of Nursing Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT): When it comes to occupational therapy, there are a lot of job opportunities. After graduation, most students will start their practice at government or private hospitals. Also, BOT graduates might take up jobs working as instructors at Occupational therapy colleges and training institutions. Furthermore, other graduates take on the role of rehabilitation specialists at rehabilitation clinics. These graduates will go on to use their skills to aid the rehabilitation process for trauma or surgery patients. B.Sc. Computer Science: Computer science is by far, one of the most lucrative education options for students seeking a challenging yet rewarding career path. Advancements in Information Technology and emerging innovative technologies have created an unlimited demand for a background in the computer science field. The bright career prospects for students who study computer science, encompass multiple fields including academia, research, industry, private, corporate organization, and government agencies, among others. However, IT and software companies remain the significant employers of computer science degree holders. Here are some computer science jobs, which pay a profitable compensation: Application Analyst Database Administrator Information Systems Manager IT consultant System analyst Web designer Read Also: 8 Useful Tips For Personal Career Development Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most In-Demand 2020–2025 Genius Job Interview Tips That Will Guarantee Success Why You Should Use A Recruitment Agency To Find Your Next Medical Job

Externship vs Internship: What Are The Major Differences?

Definition Of Externship

Definition Of Internship

Externship vs Internship: Key Differences

Externship vs Internship: Major Benefits

Benefits Of An Externship

Benefits Of An Internship

Externship vs Internship: Which One To Choose?

How To Find Externships And Internships?

Externship vs Internship: Common Myths

Final Thoughts

15 Amazing Jobs For 15 Year Olds And Teenagers In 2025

Soumava Goswami

A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

Leave a Reply

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Related

What Should I Expect in a Part Time Customer Service Role?

Supervisor Vs Manager: Similarities & Differences Between Them – 2021 Updated

Career Options after 12th Science

Externship vs Internship: What Are The Major Differences?

Definition Of Externship

Definition Of Internship

Externship vs Internship: Key Differences

Externship vs Internship: Major Benefits

Benefits Of An Externship

Benefits Of An Internship

Externship vs Internship: Which One To Choose?

How To Find Externships And Internships?

Externship vs Internship: Common Myths

Final Thoughts

Share this Article

15 Amazing Jobs For 15 Year Olds And Teenagers In 2025

A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related