The terms “work experience” and “internships” are often used interchangeably, making it easy to assume they mean the same thing. However, when choosing which one is best for you, or deciding how to describe either one on your CV, understanding the differences is important. So, let’s take a look.  

Work experience

Work experience typically involves shadowing professionals within a company to gain insight into the work they do. Shadowing means following someone as they perform their regular tasks within the organisation. Work experience is usually brief and informal, providing individuals with exposure to the company and the role.

Internship

An internship is a type of work experience that focuses on giving interns practical, hands-on experience within an organisation. This allows interns to develop their skills in real-world situations. Unlike work experience, internships typically involve a longer duration and are conducted under a more formal agreement.

So, what are the key differences between the two?

Expectations

Unlike work experience, internships involve the individual making an active contribution to the company. For example, in journalism, an intern might write articles and do reporting, while in law, they could assist with tasks like formwork and house titles. In contrast, work experience generally involves a more passive role, where the individual shadows a professional who explains their tasks, but the person doing the work experience typically doesn't perform the work themselves.

Duration

Although work experience is a flexible term, it is generally shorter than an internship. Work experience might last just a few days, while an internship can extend from several weeks to a full year. While these timeframes are only a general guideline for distinguishing between the two, it's important to consider how long you'll be with the company when determining whether it's work experience or an internship.

Skills

Internships offer a more active experience, providing a great opportunity to develop and learn new skills within your chosen industry. This makes internships a valuable addition to your CV, improving your employability. While work experience is also valuable for skill development and looks great on your CV, its shorter duration and more passive nature mean there is less chance to actively acquire new skills. However, work experience is still an excellent way to gain exposure to different types of work.

Pay

Both internships and work experience can be paid or unpaid opportunities. However, as a general rule, if an employment relationship exists, you are entitled to some form of compensation.

Future

After completing your internship or work experience, what’s next? Internships provide an excellent opportunity to network and showcase your skills, which may lead to employment at the company where you completed the internship. While not guaranteed, many companies use internships to evaluate your abilities and how well you fit with their culture. On the other hand, while work experience may not directly lead to a job due to its shorter duration, it offers valuable insights into the type of work you want to pursue and helps you determine what you need to do to get there.