What Is an Externship?

Externships allow you to observe professionals in your field as they conduct their day-to-day duties. It also offers an exciting way to discover what a job might be like in this field when you start your career.  Externships can also help you network and connect with other professionals in your chosen area to decide if a job is truly for you. 

This guide explores answers to common questions like “What is an externship?”. It supports you in learning the difference between an externship and an internship, exploring externship benefits, and finding the right one based on your needs. 

What is an externship?

An externship is an opportunity to shadow a professional in a field in which you want to work. Rather than take an immersive approach as you might during an internship, you're there to observe for a short period. Your externship may last for a day, or it can last for a few weeks. 

You may get the opportunity to interview professionals in your field or ask them questions. You might also attend company meetings, shadow several roles, or take guided workspace tours.

Externships are beneficial to both students and potential employees. If you're in college or looking to make a big career change, an externship can help give you an idea of whether or not the field truly interests you.  

Externship vs. internship

The word “externship” is derived from combining the words “experience” and “internship,” so it only makes sense that some people may confuse externships and internships. The biggest difference between the two is that externs generally observe and may have a specific curriculum or learning objectives. At the same time, interns typically take on project-based tasks and duties that help the employer reach its goals. 

During an internship, you take on a minor role with an organization that allows you to contribute in an engaged way. Essentially, you work for that company for a specified period. Internships generally last longer than externships, and they are sometimes paid opportunities or possibly lead to college credit. 

Beyond those differences, externships and internships have some similarities. Both can help you determine if a particular career or industry is right for you, provide you with networking opportunities, and lead to jobs in the future. 

Benefits of externships

Externships can be incredibly beneficial for job seekers and anyone who plans to search for a job in the near future. As an extern, you might: 

• Make connections in your field or prospective field.

• Get a better understanding of a field or industry, primarily if you've never worked in that area before, and what a day in the life of someone who works in it is like  

• Assess a particular field or industry to see if it's the right fit for you before you begin applying for jobs.

• Explore multiple fields, jobs, industries, and companies due to the shorter time required to complete an externship. 

• Explore multiple departments within a company in a short period.

• Learn what you can do to improve your chances of getting a job in a particular field.

• Gain mentors who you can call for guidance throughout your career.

• Add proof of knowledge about a specific job to your resume, which can help make you a more attractive candidate for a job.

• Narrow your options if you can't decide between multiple fields or jobs.

• Potentially turn your experience into an internship or entry-level job. 

Externships are also beneficial for employers and organizations that host them. These companies typically need qualified entry-level employees, and if you are a high-quality candidate who comes in for an externship, they may offer you a job. Externships do not usually cost an organization any money and can lead to more exposure in general, including bolstering their talent acquisition pipeline. For example, suppose you are an extern at a particular company and enjoyed the experience. In that case, you might apply for an internship or position and tell your college classmates to also choose an externship there. 

Read more: Job Search Guide: Resources for Your Next Career Move

Can you earn money during an externship?

Externships typically offer experience instead of compensation. While some internships may provide payment or some financial benefit, the main focus of an externship is gaining knowledge and experience. Additionally, externships rarely lead to college credit, as internships may. 

However, some professional areas, such as culinary, may offer exceptions. If you are a college or other type of post-secondary school learner, check with your school to determine if you can participate in a paid externship or receive credit.

How to get an externship

Once you're ready to secure an externship, you can choose from many ways. College and post-secondary school students usually find opportunities through their educational institutions. 

Start by talking to your advisor or someone in your college or university’s career services office. If your school offers a career showcase, you may also find externship opportunities this way. In some cases, organizations may have application processes, so it’s important to check ahead and ensure you are aware of any deadlines.

Anyone who wants to get an externship without status as a learner enrolled in an institution should start with their local community. Organizations like your area’s chamber of commerce can help connect you with local business leaders and organizations. You can also check with local nonprofits and other professional organizations. You might also consider talking to people you know who work in a specific field, whether it's a relative or one of your professors.  

Finally, consider contacting professionals or organizations directly if you’re still looking for options. You may have networking events in your area that allow you to meet professionals in your prospective industry, or you can reach out directly via social media or a professional email. Remember to be polite and professional when asking about these opportunities, even when they say no.

Read more: How to Get Your First Job: A Guide

Next steps 

Externships look great on your resume, allow you to test out a career before committing to it, and provide a pathway to make future connections to help your job search. To land your first externship, you can seek opportunities through your college or university’s career center, your local organizations, or through individual connections you’ve made.

Online courses in career development can also help make you a competitive job candidate. On the Coursera learning platform, you'll find several courses offered by some of the top educational institutions in the world. For example, you could consider Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters from the University of Maryland or Successful Career Development offered by the University System of Georgia to learn valuable skills, such as finding a mentor and networking with intention.