So, you want an internship, how long should it last though?
How long does an internship usually last? Internships come in all shapes and sizes. They can also serve a huge array of different purposes. That’s why finding the one that fits you takes some planning and forethought.
In this blog, we’ll run through the various options of how long internships last, giving you the info you need to find an internship that works for you. We’ll outline the pros and cons of long term internships and short-term internships abroad, and answer important questions like ‘How long are internships supposed to be?’, ‘Is a 1 month internship worth it?’, and ‘Are internships full time?’.
How Long Are Internships Supposed To Be?
The truth is, no one size fits all. The length of an internship will vary widely depending on the industry, your personal goals, your academic schedule, personal time restrictions, and whether the internship is paid or unpaid. At the end of the day, your career objectives and other commitments are the best guide to your decision on the optimal internship length for you.
Some internships are as short as a few weeks, while a long-term internship program can last for over a year. So, whether you have as little as a month free in your summer holidays or you’re looking to make a lengthy commitment after graduation, there’s likely an internship that can fit your time frame.
The best way to decide ‘How long does an internship last?’ is by closely examining what you hope to gain from the experience. Once you know the goals you’re aiming for, you’re much better equipped to find the right internship for you, whether that’s a long internship or a short internship.
How Long Does An Internship Usually Last?
Short Term
How long is an internship at the shorter end of the spectrum? Any program that lasts three months or less would typically be described as a short internship. You even get internships (or micro-internships) that last as little as a week or even a few days.
These internships are often scheduled during summer or winter breaks, making them ideal for students who want to make the most of their vacations. These internships provide a quick immersion into a professional setting, offering a snapshot of the working world in a compact timeframe. They are particularly beneficial for exploring a new industry or role to see if it aligns with your career aspirations.
Pro: Ideal For Students
How long do internships last for students? Often, as long as their breaks. Short-term internships fit well with academic schedules, allowing students to gain experience without disrupting their studies. These make for ideal winter or summer internships and can even be completed during term time.
As we all know, a degree isn’t the only thing you need to land your dream job. In almost every field, some kind of practical experience will be a pivotal boon to your CV when applying for the positions you really want.
Con: Lack Depth
How long is an internship where you can learn new skills and knowledge? Usually, a bit longer than three months. The short duration of these internships may not allow for deep engagement with projects or significant skill development.
As such, if you’re looking to learn role-specific skills and procedures, short internships may only offer a cursory glance and little opportunity to practice and master these skills. Interns may only get a superficial understanding of the company’s operations and culture too, limiting the depth of their learning experience.
Pro: Industry Insight
Perhaps the best use of short internships is as a litmus test to see if you’re well-suited to an industry or career path. Short-term internships provide a valuable taste of an industry, helping students and young professionals decide if they want to pursue it further. Brief though it may be, it can be instrumental in making career decisions.
Best of all, due to the short length, it allows you to take on several different short internships in the time it would take you to complete one long internship. It also enables you to explore numerous industries and roles without a long-term commitment. This can be an effective method for building network contacts too.
Semester
Semester internships usually last three to six months. This is the most common answer to the question ‘How long does an internship usually last?’. Despite the name, these internships are available for non-students too. They are best suited for students and young professionals during the early stages of their careers. They can be great gap year internships too.
These internships often align with academic semesters and provide a more substantial experience than short-term internships. The extended period helps build a stronger professional network and gain deeper insights into the industry. Additionally, semester internships often provide the opportunity to see projects through from start to finish, offering a more complete understanding of the work involved.
Pro: Well-balanced
Semester internships offer a balance, allowing interns to gain more in-depth experience while still being manageable alongside academic commitments. Interns can contribute to longer-term projects, which enhances their learning and impact on the organization.
This type of internship also allows for better relationship building with colleagues and mentors, providing valuable networking opportunities and professional guidance.
Con: More Challenging For Students
How long does an internship last before it interferes with academic commitments? These more long-term internships obviously can’t fit within summer or winter breaks. This means students will have to complete at least some of them alongside their college assignments and academic commitments.
Balancing an internship with a full academic load can be challenging and may require excellent time management skills. The dual responsibility can sometimes lead to stress and reduced performance in both areas if not managed properly.
Pro: Significant Contribution
These internships are an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to real-world projects. The longer duration allows interns to see projects through different phases, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the workflow.
This experience can be particularly beneficial when applying for full-time positions, as employers often value candidates with practical, hands-on experience. Not only does this communicate to future employers that you have a working knowledge of the field, it shows you can be a valuable asset to their business.
Long Term
How long are internships at the longer end of the spectrum? Long-term internships are any internships that last longer than six months. These tend to be full-time commitments and as such are often not possible for students. They are best suited to recent graduates, career launchers, and young professionals.
This extended period gives you the time to really immerse yourself in a professional environment, get to grips with a role, and forge long-lasting professional relationships. These internships can sometimes even lead directly to full-time employment. Long-term internships are particularly beneficial for those looking to build a strong foundation in a specific field.
Pro: Deeper Involvement
A long-term internship program allows for deeper involvement in projects, leading to significant skill acquisition and professional development. Over the course of six months or longer, an intern has the chance to find their place within a business, settle in, and make a difference.
The extended time frame also gives interns the chance to build strong relationships with colleagues and mentors, enhancing their professional network. Most significantly, this duration allows interns to take on more responsibility and demonstrate their value to the organization, potentially leading to full-time job offers.
Con: Time Commitment
Committing to a long-term internship can be difficult, if not impossible for students with heavy academic workloads. For those already in the world of work, long-term internships will necessitate leaving your current job, while other short-term, part-time internships can be balanced alongside other commitments.
One downfall of a long internship that must be considered is that by investing more time in one opportunity, you’re less free to explore other avenues. It’s the internship equivalent of putting all your eggs in one basket.
Sometimes, it’s better to ask not ‘How long does an internship last?’, but: How long does it need to last for you to achieve your goals? If you’re certain about your career path, this needn’t be an issue. However, if your goal is career exploration, multiple short internships might be more beneficial.
Pro: Employment Opportunities
Perhaps the greatest boon of a long internship is that these are the most likely to lead to full-time employment. Long-term internships often offer more substantial networking opportunities and a better chance of securing a job post-internship. Many long internships are actually designed with this in mind.
Interns can demonstrate their value to the organization over a longer period, increasing their chances of being hired permanently. This type of internship provides a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the company, making the intern a more competitive candidate for future job opportunities.
Can an Internship Be Too Short?
If you want to know how long do internships last, then we’ve got you! Our FAQs about volunteering in Africa is a great resource to your questions, especially for those considering shorter internships.
But, before you leave, let’s take some time to go through this question. Honestly, it depends entirely on what you hope to achieve with your internship. Short internships can sometimes be too brief to provide meaningful experience or skill development. However, a long internship may stretch one or two months of learning across half a year, and interns can be left to handle grunt work and menial tasks. This can actually stunt your professional growth.
As a rule of thumb, short internships are better for career exploration, while long-term internships provide a platform for more substantial skill development and professional growth. So, if you’re a student looking for worthwhile summer internships, don’t rule out month-long, or even week-long, programs.
No Matter How Long Your Internship is, it’ll Boost Your Career!
How long does an internship usually last? How long is a piece of string? No matter the length, internships provide valuable opportunities to build experience, skills, and your professional network. Really, the challenge is finding the length of internship that works best for you.
If you’d like to discuss your career goals and what length of internship might suit you best, then get in touch. Roots offers a range of internship opportunities designed to fit different schedules and career goals, ensuring you get the most out of your internship experience. With one of our team of experts, you can talk through a range of available options and find the ideal program for your career goals.
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This blog was written by Tom Rusbridge
