Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or exploring a new career path, internships are one of the most valuable work-based learning opportunities available. At Remitly, we understand how crucial real-world experience is in today’s competitive job market. Read on to learn what an internship is, how they work, and why it’s a smart step towards success.
What is an internship?
An internship is a temporary, hands-on role within a company or organization where you get to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world, supervised setting. Internships provide opportunities for skill development and networking, and can even lead to a job offer.
Typically, internships last 10 to 12 weeks over the summer, with a 40-hour workweek. However, internships come in many shapes and sizes—they can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and their length can vary widely.
While most interns are college students or early-career professionals, anyone who meets the requirements can take on an internship.
Here’s what to expect from a quality internship experience:
- A clear job or project description, so you know what you’re working on
- Onboarding and mentorship that aligns you with the company culture and allows for feedback
- Opportunities to connect with company leadership and expand your network
- Meaningful work that relates to your industry. Only 25% of your tasks should be clerical or administrative
Internships have become increasingly important for both interns and employers. For many recent graduates, internships are almost expected on a resume. Many companies treat internships as a way to identify and hire emerging talent. For students or people changing industries, leaving an internship with a job offer in hand can be a huge boost for their professional journey.
Benefits of an internship
As you can probably tell, there is a wide range of professional, personal, and educational benefits to having an internship. Here are some of the top ones:
- Gain real-world experience by applying what you’ve learned in the classroom, helping you fill gaps on your resume.
- Explore your career path by discovering which areas of a field interest you, or decide if that field is the right fit at all.
- Build valuable connections with your fellow interns and full-time employees, opening doors to mentorships, job referrals, and insider industry knowledge
- Boost your confidence in your skills and professional knowledge
- Earn college credit, potentially helping you graduate early.
- Get a competitive edge in the job market thanks to your hands-on experience, new skills, and strong references
Types of internships
Not all internships are the same. Different aspects of internships can shape your experience, from whether you’re paid to how many hours you work. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types.
Paid vs. unpaid internships
Some industries are more likely to have paid internships than others. Fields like tech and finance tend to have high-paying internships, while journalism, fashion, and non-profits usually have low or unpaid internships.
The average salary for paid interns is $20.54 USD an hour, but this varies by industry and location. Some interns receive stipends that cover expenses like food or transport instead of an hourly wage.
There are legal guidelines for what companies can ask of you if you’re an unpaid intern. Generally, the guideline is that in an unpaid internship, the intern should benefit more than the company. Any work performed should also be tied to your coursework, not administrative or clerical work.
While this should mean that unpaid interns have more flexibility and work less, some industries and companies still take advantage of unpaid interns. Stay aware of any red flags when interviewing for an unpaid internship, set clear boundaries up front, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you think you’re being mistreated.
Online vs. in-person internships
If you live far away from an industry hub or need more flexibility in your schedule, online internships have become a popular alternative to traditional in-person experiences. Here’s how they compare:
In-person internships
- Pros
- Hands-on experience
- Stronger networking
- Full cultural immersion
- Cons
- Additional daily costs
- Less flexibility
- Extra commuting time
Online internships
- Pros
- Greater flexibility
- More global opportunities
- Lower daily costs
- Cons
- Less hands-on experience
- Limited networking
- Harder to connect with colleagues
Ultimately, choosing an in-person or online internship depends on your desired industry, personal preferences, budget, and what internships are available. Some fields, like medical or education, may only offer in-person internships.
Full-time vs. part-time internships
As previously mentioned, internships typically involve working 40 hours a week. However, if you need to juggle your internship with other commitments like work or school, you may end up working at a part-time internship.
Part-time internships (usually under 30 hours a week) fit alongside school or work. They involve shorter work days or fewer work days per week.
If you have a long break, like summer vacation, full-time internships may be ideal to get more immersed in the internship experience. But if you have a lot going on, part-time internships can still provide valuable skill development and networking opportunities.
How to find an internship
Finding the right internship takes planning, but with a clear strategy and the right tools, you’ll set yourself up for success.
Before you start looking:
- Determine your career goals and interests. If you don’t have a specific field or role in mind, think about what you enjoy doing or what interests you.
- Define what internship you want. Would you prefer part-time, unpaid, or remote?
Once you’ve got an idea of what you’re looking for, start searching. You can find internships by:
- Reaching out to companies directly to pitch yourself, even if they don’t have formal programs.
- Searching online job-finding platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.
- Taking advantage of your school’s career center. Many colleges also have Handshake, an online platform that connects employers with students and recent grads.
- Attending a career fair run by your college or a local community organization. Bring copies of your resume to hand out and prepare a brief introduction highlighting your strengths.
- Using your professional and personal network. Connect with friends who have recently interned somewhere or an acquaintance who works in your desired industry.
Tips to stand out when applying and interviewing
You may find yourself up against dozens of applicants, but here’s how to shine even without much experience.
When you’re applying:
- Write a cover letter of at least one paragraph introducing yourself, explaining why you applied, why you’re a good fit, and what you hope to gain
- Clean up your social media accounts and update your LinkedIn profile
- Tailor your resume to each internship you’re applying for, highlighting the most relevant skills or experiences
- Build an online portfolio or website using a tool like Wix or Squarespace, showcasing any projects, positive feedback, or personal initiatives
During the interview:
- Research the industry and company to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm
- Think about any previous work experience and transferable skills. Did you work as a server for three years and are now interviewing at a start-up? Talk about your multitasking and problem-solving skills.
- Come prepared. Look up common interview questions, practice potential questions at home, and dress appropriately, even if it’s online
- Brush up on your resume. Be ready to expand on anything you’ve listed, especially technical skills or software tools.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask the employer. They can be pretty standard, such as:
- What kind of projects do interns typically work on?
- How would you describe the team culture?
- What do successful interns usually have in common?
- For fields like journalism, graphic design, or marketing, bring a few work samples
- A few hours after the interview, follow up with an email thanking the interviewer for their time. Mention something you talked about, and add that you hope to hear from them soon.
Common misconceptions about internships
Myth 1: Internships are only worth it at big-name companies
A well-known company might look impressive on your resume, but it’s not the only path to success. Smaller companies and startups often give interns more responsibility and exposure to a wider range of tasks, offering a more hands-on and well-rounded experience.
What matters most is the skills you gain, not the brand name on your email signature.
Myth 2: Internships are only for college students or recent grads
While many internships are aimed at students, they’re not off-limits to career changers or people returning to the workforce. In fact, some programs are specifically designed for individuals who already hold degrees or are looking to break into a new industry later in life.
Myth 3: Companies don’t care about their interns, and you’ll spend all day getting coffee
The old stereotype of the overworked, unpaid intern is fading. These days, many internships pay well and have good perks. Since more and more companies are using internships as part of their recruitment plan, it’s in their best interest to treat you well and get you involved in the organization and its projects.
Myth 4: You can only intern in your exact career field
Internships in your dream field can be hard to find, especially in creative industries. But related roles can still provide valuable, transferable experience. Want to be a journalist? Try interning in PR, marketing, or communications to sharpen your writing and media skills. Keep an open mind, and you might discover a new interest or an unexpected career path.
Internships bridge education and employment, offering hands-on learning and networking opportunities. With the right mindset and preparation, any internship can be a launching pad for your future career.
FAQs
When is the best time to apply for an internship?
Many companies start recruiting for internships several months in advance. If you’re looking at a competitive position, you may want to start applying six to nine months in advance. Local internships may be more flexible or have more opportunities at shorter notice.
How many internships should I apply for at once?
There’s no perfect number of internships to apply for, but applying for at least 20 gives you backup options in case your top companies fall through. This is especially true if you’re applying for competitive internships at big-name companies. Applying for too many, however, can also cause burnout.
How do I know if an internship is legitimate or a scam?
If an internship sounds too good to be true, has little to no interview process, or asks for money up front, it’s probably a scam. Double-check the companies you’re looking at against Glassdoor reviews or Google searches to find opinions from previous applicants or employees.
Can older adults or career changers apply for internships?
Yes. While some internships are only aimed at college students, a large number accept people of all ages. Many people use internships as an opportunity to gain experience in a new field when looking for a change.