Most savvy students know that getting an internship in your intended career field is critical. The internship experience can confirm that you are headed in the right direction. On the other hand, it might let you know that some of the day-to-day requirements of the job may not be for you. It is also an opportunity to engage with professionals in the field to further confirm your commitment to a particular career path.

Internships are available in a variety of disciplines and career fields. Internships are not the only way to go. Are you familiar with the term externship? Externships are another form of experiential education. Let me explain the difference.

Internships can be paid or unpaid and often have college credits associated with them, but not always. (I will cover the issue of pay in a separate post.) Externships are generally though of as shadowing experiences. You will generally not be given any work assignments but it is an opportunity to observe the work environment and professionals in a particular field. Externships might last for one day or may last for a set number of predetermined encounters with the organization or the professional. Internships on the other hand, last for one or two semesters. It’s typical for summer internships to last up to 12 weeks.

During an internship, you will be given projects or assignments to complete. The goal is to provide you with a certain level of exposure to the field. The sophistication and level of project complexity will vary according to the organization’s purpose. For some organizations, the internship is actually an extended interview process. At the conclusion of the internship you might receive a permanent job offer.

Getting an internship can be a very competitive process; so don’t be discouraged if you are not immediately successful. If you are a rising sophomore or junior you will likely be in competition with more senior classmates. Externships might be a good strategy and allows you to build your resume, too!

So polish up that resume and develop a convincing cover letter tailored to each opportunity. Also remember that Chrystal Nova can help with career coaching and resume-tailoring to help you land your dream internship. Good luck!