Internship
A temporary work placement, paid or unpaid, where students gain professional experience in their field of study.
Internships are structured work experiences — typically lasting 8-12 weeks during summer or part-time during the academic year — that connect academic learning with professional practice. Industries like investment banking, consulting, technology, and media run highly competitive internship programs that serve as primary hiring pipelines for full-time positions. Paid internships have become the standard in many industries, though unpaid internships persist in sectors like media, nonprofits, and government. Many universities now offer academic credit for internships, and some programs require an internship for graduation.
Related Terms
Related Guides
Employability Rankings: Which Universities Lead
Rankings focused on graduate employment outcomes — which universities produce the most employable graduates and how they measure it.
Building an Extracurricular Profile
How to build a compelling extracurricular profile that demonstrates leadership, passion, and impact.
Working While Studying: Rules by Country
Part-time work regulations for students in major study destinations — hours, pay, and visa restrictions.
Corporate Sponsorship and Employer Programs
How companies fund employee education — tuition reimbursement, executive programs, and corporate university partnerships.
University-Industry Partnerships
How universities and companies collaborate on research, talent development, and innovation.
Internships and Co-op Programs
How internships and co-op programs bridge the gap between academic learning and professional careers.
Building Your Professional Network
How to build meaningful professional connections during university that will benefit your entire career.