An extern is a participant in a structured, short-term career exploration program known as an externship. This program provides a brief, observational look into a professional field, serving as an informational tool to understand the day-to-day realities of a specific job or industry. An externship allows a person to test an emerging career interest without the long-term commitment of other pre-professional programs. This early exposure helps inform future educational and career decisions.
Defining the Externship Experience
The core function of an externship is to provide an immersive, behind-the-scenes view of a workplace, often referred to as job shadowing. Participants spend their time observing professionals as they execute their daily responsibilities, which may include attending internal meetings or client calls. This observation-focused structure means the extern is not typically responsible for substantive work tasks or independent project completion.
Externships are characterized by their condensed duration, frequently lasting from a single day up to a few weeks, often aligning with academic breaks. This short time frame makes the experience highly accessible for students who cannot commit to extended full-time work. The primary objective is to gain industry exposure and insight into the company culture. This helps the extern determine if a particular field aligns with their interests, while the company benefits by building early relationships with potential future talent.
Key Differences Between Externships and Internships
The distinction between an externship and an internship rests on four primary factors. The first difference is Duration: externships are notably shorter, typically lasting no more than a few weeks. Internships are generally long-term commitments spanning a full semester or a three-to-four-month summer period. This short duration positions the externship as a low-commitment “test drive” of a career field.
The second factor is Purpose: an externship is fundamentally an observational and exploratory experience focused on shadowing and gaining insight. In contrast, an internship is an application-based role requiring the participant to perform entry-level work and contribute meaningfully to company projects. The third difference is Compensation: externships are frequently unpaid, sometimes offering a small stipend for expenses due to their observational nature. Internships, especially in fields like finance and technology, are often paid positions functioning more like temporary employment.
Finally, the difference is Credit: externships are less likely to be formally integrated into a curriculum for academic credit given their brevity and observational focus. Internships, particularly those in regulated fields or for university programs, are often required or structured to fulfill specific academic credit requirements.
Benefits of Participating in an Externship
Externships offer value by providing a low-commitment environment for career exploration, which is useful early in one’s professional journey. By condensing the experience to a few days, an individual can quickly assess whether a specific role or industry is a good fit. This process helps narrow down potential paths and clarifies which professional areas warrant a more substantial investment, such as a full internship.
The experience provides an opportunity for networking, allowing participants to meet and build connections with professionals in their desired field. These interactions can lead to mentorships or informational interviews that provide a deeper understanding of career trajectories. By gaining industry knowledge, the extern acquires a realistic perspective on the work environment, including the company’s culture and daily workflow. This focused experience also contributes to resume credibility, demonstrating a proactive commitment to career research and providing talking points for future interviews.
How to Find and Secure an Externship
Finding an externship often begins with leveraging existing institutional resources. University career services departments frequently coordinate formal externship programs with alumni and partner organizations. These established programs simplify the process by matching students with hosts prepared to offer a shadowing experience. Individuals can also explore opportunities through professional organizations related to their field of interest, which may advertise industry-specific programs.
A primary approach involves direct outreach to companies or professionals through informational interviewing, which can lead to a request for a shadowing opportunity. In this scenario, the individual uses their professional network to connect with employees and asks if they would be open to hosting a short observational visit. When preparing, it is helpful to have thoughtful questions ready and to dress in professional attire. This ensures the brief time spent with the host is maximized and a favorable impression is made.