interns

An internship is a temporary work placement designed to provide practical work experience and exposure to a professional environment. Internships are offered by a wide range of industries and can be paid or unpaid, with some programs granting academic credit. They are commonly undertaken by students or recent graduates seeking to explore a field, develop job-related skills, and build professional networks. Internships may be short-term summer programs, part-time placements during studies, or longer cooperative education (co-op) experiences linked to degree programs.

Internships typically involve supervised work on real projects with clear learning objectives and ongoing feedback from mentors. Durations vary from a few weeks to several months, and some programs may culminate in a job offer. Related arrangements include co-ops, apprenticeships, and industrial placements, which integrate paid work with academic study. Compensation and benefits vary by country and program; some internships are paid, while others provide academic credit, stipends, or other forms of compensation.

Benefits accrue to both sides: interns gain practical experience, professional references, and a clearer idea of career fit; employers gain early access to talent and the opportunity to evaluate potential hires. Ethical and legal considerations are important, particularly for unpaid internships, and many jurisdictions require compensation or impose guidelines to ensure educational intent and fair treatment. Overall, internships serve as a bridge between education and employment and vary in structure, scope, and impact across industries and regions.