What does internship mean?
An internship is a period of supervised work experience, typically undertaken by a student or recent graduate to develop practical skills and gain insight into a profession. The term may refer either to the placement itself or to the time spent in it. Internships are commonly temporary and are sometimes unpaid, although pay, duration, and legal status vary by employer and jurisdiction. In American usage, the word often also denotes the student or trainee position itself. The expression carries a broadly neutral, professional connotation, but it may suggest an introductory opportunity rather than a permanent job. It is useful when distinguishing practical career experience from formal study, while also recognizing that internships vary substantially in structure, compensation, educational value, and benefit.
nounA period of supervised work experience, usually undertaken by a student or recent graduate to gain practical skills and professional insight. The term may also refer to the placement or position itself.
- A period of work experience gained by a student, graduate, or career changer to develop practical skills and familiarity with a profession.
- The position or placement in which such work experience is undertaken.
"She secured a six-week internship with a conservation organisation."
"She secured a six-week internship with a conservation organisation."
"The internship gave him valuable experience in software development."
The standard plural is used when referring to multiple work-experience placements, programmes, or periods.
"The organisation offers summer internships to students in several departments."
Its ancestor meant "to keep within"; today the word often describes the opposite—a brief step outside the classroom into working life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does internship come from?
Internship was formed in English during the 19th century from intern and the productive suffix -ship. The older verb intern comes from French interner, meaning "to confine within," ultimately from Latin internus, meaning "internal" or "inward"; this confinement sense is distinct from the later educational and employment senses. Internal, internment, and interior also reflect the same Latin root or its direct English derivatives.
Related word forms
How internship is actually used
The word is neutral in register and common in British and American English. Internships are often temporary and sometimes unpaid, but pay, duration, and legal status vary considerably; the term does not inherently imply that an internship is either unpaid or a route to employment.
Easily confused with internship
An internship is usually a short work-experience placement, whereas an apprenticeship generally provides structured training toward a trade or qualification.
A traineeship is a formal training programme combining instruction with supervised work, while an internship focuses primarily on practical experience.