Why It’s Important to Have an Externship Opportunity During Your Career Training

You may hear externship and internship used interchangeably, but they are quite different from one another.

Externships are: 

• Short-term: Usually last a few days to a few weeks.
• Observation-focused: You mostly shadow professionals to get a feel for the day-to-day work in a specific field.
• Unpaid: Most externships are unpaid since you're not actively contributing in a working role.
• Part of education: Often part of a training program (like at career colleges) to give students exposure to the work environment. They include a specific curriculum or learning objectives that students must complete and/or demonstrate throughout their experience.

Benefits of an Externship

Externships are essential to preparing for your future career. They’re your opportunity to learn skills in a real application.

• Learn from professionals: Gain real-world experience. Experience your future career firsthand, working alongside professionals in your industry. 
• Career exposure: Companies that offer externships are excited to have students in their facilities and want to share their time, knowledge, and skills.
• Opportunity to ask questions: This is your time to learn — ask questions, seek feedback, and deepen your understanding of the role.
• Explore multiple roles: Shadow various departments, sit in on meetings, and get involved in projects that the company takes on.
• Networking opportunities: Meet decision-makers at companies you may apply to in the future.

Do You Get Paid for an Externship?

Most externships are unpaid. That’s because externships are designed primarily for learning, skill-building, and gaining real-world experience, rather than employment. 

However, externships are incredibly valuable, even without pay. It’s something you can add to your resume to show that you’re job-ready. While you may not receive a paycheck, the experience you gain can be priceless.