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    Organizational Wellness

    Exploring Externships vs. Internships: Understanding the Key Differences and Benefits

    byGympass Editorial Team
    Jun 16, 2023
    Last Updated Jun 16, 2023

    College students and young professionals often seek valuable work experience when entering the workforce. 

    Both externships and internships offer exposure to real-world work settings. However, there are differences — duration, structure, and learning outcomes — that can impact your organization's approach to these programs.

    As an HR professional, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions that align with your company's goals and resources. Here’s what makes externships and internships distinct, and how each opportunity can benefit both your organization and the young professionals involved.

    What is an Externship?

    An externship is a short-term work experience program that offers participants a glimpse into a specific industry or career path. Externships tend to focus more on job shadowing and observation rather than hands-on work.

    Typical Duration and Structure

    Externships usually last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, making them a shorter commitment than internships. Participants typically spend their time observing professionals in their field of interest. They might attend staff meetings, learn about specific tasks, and observe the company culture and daily operations.

    Common Goals and Objectives

    Externships are designed to provide externs with a realistic understanding of a particular job or industry. Externs explore potential career paths, build professional networks, and gain insights into the qualifications required for success in their field.

    Level of Hands-On Experience

    Externships generally offer limited hands-on experience, focusing more on learning through exposure. This makes them excellent for individuals who want a high-level understanding of a specific career without committing to a longer program.

    Compensation and Benefits

    Since externships are shorter in duration and primarily observational, externs may not receive compensation or benefits. However, some organizations offer stipends, college credit, reimbursements, or other perks to help cover costs associated with the program.

    Benefits of an Externship for Employers

    Externships cultivate talent and build relationships with potential future employees. Some of the key advantages of implementing externships in your organization include:

    • Talent pipeline development: Externships allow you to identify and engage with promising candidates early in their career journey, potentially leading to a robust talent pipeline for future hiring needs. 
    • Low-cost recruitment strategy: As externships are shorter and typically unpaid, they can serve as a cost-effective way to assess the potential fit of candidates without committing to a full-time job offer.
    • Increased brand visibility: Hosting externship programs helps increase your organization's visibility and reputation within the industry, making it more attractive to top talent.
    • Stronger community ties: Offering externships can strengthen your organization's relationships with local educational institutions. This can foster mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations.
    • Enhanced employee engagement: Involving current employees as mentors or supervisors in externship programs can boost staff engagement and give a sense of purpose as they contribute to developing the careers of future professionals in their career field.

    What is an Internship?

    An internship is an in-depth, experiential learning program that allows participants to gain interactive, hands-on experience in their field. Internships build the necessary skills and knowledge for interns to succeed in their careers while contributing to the organization's goals.

    Typical Duration and Structure

    Internships can last from a few months to a year, depending on the organization and the program. For example, students may participate in summer internships before starting a new school year. They may work part-time or full-time, taking on projects and tasks related to their area of interest. They are often assigned a mentor or supervisor who provides guidance and support. 

    Common Goals and Objectives

    Internships to provide practical experience in a chosen field. Interns also build their professional networks and learn more about the industry in which they hope to work.

    Level of Hands-On Experience

    Internships offer a high level of hands-on experience, allowing interns to actively contribute to organizational projects and tasks. This is a valuable learning opportunity and a great way to build up their resume for future full-time roles. 

    Compensation and Benefits

    Internships can be paid or unpaid, depending on the organization and program. Some companies offer a stipend, hourly wage, academic credit, or future employment. HR professionals should be aware of local labor laws and regulations when designing internship programs to ensure compliance with any applicable requirements.

    Benefits of an Internship for Employers

    Internship opportunities offer employers numerous advantages that help shape a skilled workforce and drive organizational success. Some of the key benefits include:

    • Access to fresh ideas and perspectives: Interns often bring innovative thinking and problem-solving, contributing to your organization's growth and development.
    • Cost-effective talent acquisition: Internships can be a cost-effective way to fill temporary staffing needs or assess potential full-time hires, reducing recruiting costs and time-to-hire.
    • Increased productivity: Interns contribute to projects and tasks that may take up a lot of time, allowing your organization to progress on important initiatives and improve overall productivity.
    • Enhanced employer brand: Internships can help position your organization as an employer of choice, attracting top talent and enhancing your reputation within the industry.
    • Opportunity for employee development: Involving current employees in mentorship or supervisory roles during internships can help them develop leadership and management skills, contributing to their professional growth and overall job satisfaction. 
    • Creating a loyal workforce: Interns who have a positive work experience are more likely to become full-time employees upon graduation, contributing to higher retention rates and a more loyal workforce. 

    Offering an Externship vs. Internship

    Even though both internships and externships provide valuable learning experiences, it's important to consider which best aligns with your organization's objectives and needs. 

    Here are some key factors to consider when choosing between offering externships and internships:

    • Company size and resources: Larger organizations with more resources may be better equipped to offer internships, providing a more in-depth and structured experience for interns. Smaller organizations might prefer externships, which require less time and resource commitment.
    • Industry and job function: Some industries or job functions may be better suited for externships (e.g., highly specialized or technical roles), while others may benefit more from internships (e.g., marketing or sales).
    • Desired learning outcomes and objectives: If your goal is to provide participants with a high-level understanding of your industry and organization, externships may be the better choice. If you aim to offer direct experience and skill development, internships could be more suitable.
    • Availability and commitment of staff and mentors: The success of either program depends on the involvement and commitment of your current employees. Consider the capacity of your team members to mentor and supervise participants before selecting the appropriate program.

    Woo Them With Wellbeing

    When existing employees participate in job training and mentoring, they may learn more about themselves and their career goals. It’s also a chance for externs and interns to learn about your company culture and whether or not it’s the right fit for them to work there in the future.

    There are all kinds of ways to make an impression on your potential future employees. Whether it’s great leadership from your mentors, your organizational values, or your benefits and office perks, your externs and interns can learn what you’re all about.

    Involving interns and externs in your wellness program shows how much your organization values and cares for employees. Invite them to participate in meditation sessions or nutrition classes you might be hosting, or pass along health and wellness resources for them to access. This seemingly simple inclusion can help turn your temporary staffers into permanent team members: About 73% of workers would only consider employers that emphasize employee wellbeing if looking for a job.

    For help strengthening your commitment to workforce wellbeing, reach out to a Gympass wellbeing specialist today!
     

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    References 

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    Organizational Development

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    Gympass Editorial Team
    Gympass Editorial Team

    The Gympass Editorial Team empowers HR leaders to support worker wellbeing. Our original research, trend analyses, and helpful how-tos provide the tools they need to improve workforce wellness in today's fast-shifting professional landscape.