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This question is about what an internship does.
Extern vs. Intern
An extern is a person who shadows a professional without completing job-related duties, while an intern is a person who takes on some professional responsibilities to gain hands-on experience.
Externships are completed mainly by students seeking insight into a particular profession. An extern will mostly just shadow a professional in a specific industry or trade. Generally, they do not complete tasks related to the profession but simply watch a professional at work. Externships are typically very short, some lasting only a day.
An internship, which typically lasts only one to several months, is more akin to an entry-level job where college students or recent graduates perform some job-related tasks. The majority of internships are unpaid but interns can sometimes gain full employment from their internship. Internships are more often used as resume builders for people new to the job market.
Here are the key differences between an extern and an intern:
| An extern is a person who shadows a professional and typically does not perform any job-related tasks. | An intern is someone who takes on some professional duties and gains hands-on experience. |
| Externships are generally very short, some lasting only one day. | Internships are longer, they can last one to several months. |
| Externships are generally not paid. | Internships can be paid, but most are not. Internships are generally viewed as resume-building experiences. |
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