What's the difference between an internship vs. employment?

Whether you've just graduated from college or are looking to start a career in a new industry, becoming eligible for good jobs requires a certain level of experience. Gaining some extra knowledge and skills in your chosen field doesn't just show potential employees that you'll be a good fit but can also help you decide if that field is indeed the one you want to work in long term.

The two most common ways to gain professional experience are to pursue an internship opportunity or look for an entry-level position. Each has advantages and downsides, and there's no universal right answer when choosing between them. Understanding the differences between employment vs. internships can help you make the best decision for you.

What are the main differences between internships vs. employment?

Employment is a long-term paid opportunity that involves working for an employer at regular scheduled times. An internship is a short- or medium-term position that may or may not be paid, with the primary purpose of providing the intern with hands-on experience in a specific field or role. There are three main differences between an internship and a job.

The main reason you pursue it

There are many reasons why you may pursue a specific job. It could be a personal passion or a stepping stone to a bigger goal. However, the main thing that defines a job is that you're being paid to do it. Jobs are the primary source of income for most people, so you can generally expect a certain role to help you financially sustain your lifestyle. If it can't, you're probably going to look for something else, regardless of any other benefits your job provides you.

An internship, on the other hand, may or may not involve payment. Employers often create unpaid internship opportunities because they know the people who are interested in pursuing them aren't in it for the money, at least not in the short term. Their main goal of undertaking an internship is to gain valuable practical experience that you can't get by researching a specific field or studying it in college. Internships can help you gain the skills you need to get a job in that field and be successful at it.

Its duration

Most jobs are long-term commitments. Even exceptions, such as seasonal jobs and contract-based work, require employees to commit their time for specific periods, usually at least a few months. Although someone working the same job from graduation to retirement is a rare occurrence nowadays, you usually expect a full-time job to last for at least a few years before moving on to another position or industry.

Internships don't work that way. They're always short-term commitments, with some being only a few weeks long. Even the longer ones typically last a year at most. This means that internships are stepping stones by design. Interns often look for additional professional opportunities while pursuing an internship.

Its ultimate purpose

Two common end goals for a job are achieving financial prosperity and being respected as a professional in your field. This means that your immediate purpose is to perform your tasks well enough to advance both financially and professionally. Achieving your goal may involve changing jobs several times along the way, but the two end goals usually remain constant throughout your journey.

The main purpose of an internship, on the other hand, is to help you gain the skills and practical experience you need to pursue a full-time role in a specific field, so you can view it as a prequel to your career.

"The two most common ways to gain professional experience are to pursue an internship opportunity or look for an entry-level position. Each has advantages and downsides, and there's no universal right answer when choosing between them."

Reasons for choosing to be an intern vs. a full-time employee

Since the purpose of an internship is to help you get a job, why shouldn't you skip this step altogether and go right into the workforce? While this is a viable option in many cases, some reasons why you may consider pursuing an internship before becoming an employee are:

To strengthen your resume: If you're just graduating from college or changing careers, you probably don't have much to show potential employers that would convince them to choose you over other more experienced candidates. Pursuing a relevant internship can demonstrate that you're truly interested in building a successful career in the field and you have the minimum experience required to hit the ground running.
To improve your job-related skills: An internship isn't just a way to expand your resume's experience section. Working alongside experienced professionals will help you gain the skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.
To build your professional network: While the old saying, "It's not what you know but who you know" may be overexaggerated, it's not without an ounce of truth. An internship can help you meet important people in your industry, which may be helpful when you're looking to grow your career.

Internship vs. employment: Which should you choose?

By now, you've probably figured out that there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between an internship and a full-time job. It all depends on where you are in your life and what your short- and long-term plans are. Some reasons why you may be better off pursuing an internship before getting a job are:

You require more experience to get a good job in your chosen field.
You've just finished college and aren't sure if you're ready for the level of commitment and responsibility that a full-time job involves.
You haven't chosen your college major yet and you're looking for a short-term internship to help you determine if a specific field is right for you.
Your financial situation allows you to take it slow and explore your opportunities before committing to a full-time role.
You want to work for a specific employer and becoming an intern at that company can boost your chances of getting a full-time job there.

However, there are certain situations when getting a job makes more sense than becoming an intern. Some of them are:

You're pursuing a degree that already exposes you to real-life working scenarios, helping you gain practical experience before graduating.
You can't afford to pursue an unpaid or low-paying internship, as you need a steady income right away.
Your experience and qualifications are already solid enough to be considered by employers in a specific field.
You require job-related benefits, such as health insurance, childcare assistance, and paid time off.

Choosing between becoming an intern and joining the workforce is a deeply personal choice with no obvious right or wrong answer. This is especially true if you're fresh out of college, as the employment opportunities currently accessible to you are usually entry-level jobs with low wages and few other benefits.

Take the time to research both options and evaluate their benefits and downsides based on your specific situation. Think about your long-term goals and the steps you need to take to achieve them. Also, keep in mind that no matter what you choose, you can change course along the way. Get started by creating a CareerBuilder profile so employers can find you.