What is an internship? Your complete guide to interning

Studying at university is such a valuable experience – you get to learn from experts in your field, form lifelong friendships, join fun clubs and live and breathe the vibrant campus lifestyle. But there comes a time when you’re eager to step into the real world and put all that learning to work. After all, these academic muscles aren’t going to flex themselves! 

This is what an internship is all about. You get to dip your toe into real-world work in your chosen field, all while you’re still studying – no need to wait until you graduate. But what is an internship, and how do you get one? Deakin University’s Katrina Gleeson and Matt Cornell explain. 

What is an internship? 

First things first: what even is an internship? If you’ve ever wondered how some uni students seem to get their foot in the door of a company before they’ve even graduated, it could be because they’ve taken on an internship. 

‘An internship is a fantastic opportunity for you to gain real-world experience, develop your skills with evidence and grow your networks in your chosen field – or maybe explore alternative fields – while you’re studying,’ says Cornell. ‘Think of them as a way to fill any gaps you have between your academic studies and your future career, where you can apply what you’ve learned in an industry setting.’ 

Pretty valuable, right? But there’s more to learn about internships – for instance, some might be more like a short-term paid job, while others are unpaid opportunities. Let’s take a closer look. 

Are internships paid in Australia? 

According to Gleeson, you can find both unpaid and paid internships in Australia, and both have their merits.  

‘In Australia, internships can be either paid or unpaid, such as credit bearing units, depending on the arrangement,’ Gleeson says. ‘Whether the internship is paid or unpaid you will still get excellent skill development, industry experience and networking opportunities.’ 

Looking for an internship opportunity as part of your studies? Let’s understand the difference between paid and unpaid internships before you jump in. 

What is an unpaid internship? 

Want one big reason to look for unpaid internships? They’re by far the most common of the two types. And while they won’t earn you any money, they’re much less competitive and a great way to put some real-life work skills in your arsenal.  

Cornell says there’s one thing to keep in mind: the law has your back when it comes to your rights as an intern, particularly when it comes to unpaid placements, but you’ll still want to learn the ins and outs first. 

‘The Fair Work Ombudsman outlines clear guidelines to ensure that unpaid internships are lawful,’ says Cornell. ‘For an internship to be unpaid, it must be a genuine learning experience where the primary benefit is for the intern, rather than the employer. This means that an unpaid internship must be for university credit. It’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities before starting an internship.’ 

If you do commit to an unpaid internship, there are a few questions to ask yourself to ensure it’s worth your time: 

• Are you doing work that benefits you? If you’re making coffees or doing basic admin tasks, the business is benefiting, but you aren’t. 
• How long is the internship? Long term roles and big commitments suggest you should be getting paid for the internship instead.
• Are you on the clock as an employee, or are your hours more flexible for your schedule? The latter is an internship, the former might be (unpaid) employment. 

What is a paid internship? 

Getting paid while gaining work experience sounds like a sweet deal, right? It is – and there’s even a push to make it the only type of internship – but that’s why paid internships are the most competitive. If you think a paid internship sounds like your sort of thing, Gleeson has a few pointers before you get applying. 

‘Many paid internships are advertised over February and March for you to undertake at the end of the year,’ Gleeson says. ‘Paid programs are always advertised where unpaid internships often are not. There will be a formal application process for paid internships while unpaid ones are often found by emailing employers directly with a speculative enquiry and your resume.’  

What are the advantages of doing an internship?  

There are so many advantages to doing an internship – whether it’s paid or unpaid. ‘You’ll build transferable and technical skills that you might not gain solely in the classroom, grow or start your professional network and get valuable work experience to see what it’s like to work in your chosen industry,’ says Gleeson. 

And, in a competitive job market, internships are resume gold for prospective employers. 

‘Employers value this experience because it is evidence that you have applied your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting,’ Gleeson says. 

What kind of internships are considered work experience? 

Internships are often considered work experience but it’s not always the case. Cornell says that the key to a fulfilling internship is that it should provide transferable or technical skills for your future career, not just basic admin tasks. 

‘Internships that involve meaningful work and skill development are generally considered valuable work experience,’ Cornell says. ‘This includes structured programs run by employers, research placements, industry projects and even self-sourced opportunities where you contribute to real projects.’ 

How long is an internship? 

In the words of every parent ever: how long is a piece of string? What an internship looks like and how long an internship lasts isn’t set in stone. It could fill a few weeks in your summer break or take six months – it really depends.  

‘The duration often depends on either the company’s needs, or the requirements of your course unit,’ says Gleeson. ‘Internships for a single course credit point often range between 150-250 hours. Internships that you organise yourself as part of a work integrated learning (WIL) unit can often be taken in a variety of ways – such as one day a week over a trimester, or full time over a trimester break.’ 

Are internships worth it? 

If it suits your goals and you get the opportunity, internships are definitely worth it. What an internship does is build industry connections, grow your resume and give you hands-on experience that you might not otherwise get. Plus, it might impress your future boss. 

‘Many employers prefer candidates with internship experience, as it shows initiative and practical skills,’ says Cornell. ‘And, if you already have other paid work, volunteering, or other evidence of transferable skills you are on the right track to being a well-rounded and competitive candidate for when you apply for graduate roles later!’ 

How to navigate internship applications  

This is the big task: navigating internship applications. The best way to start is by speaking with the university’s WIL team and exploring job boards and company websites for opportunities. Gleeson says you shouldn’t limit yourself to just searching online, though. 

‘Networking is crucial in finding internship opportunities,’ Gleeson says. ‘Attending industry events, joining professional associations, and connecting with professionals on LinkedIn are great ways to start.’ 

Looking for all the details on how to navigate internship applications? Check out our comprehensive, step-by-step guide to getting an internship. 

What an internship can do for your career 

If you’re studying, you’re already doing something really positive for your future career – so don’t forget that! But if you’re looking to gain some extra job-ready skills or make valuable industry connections, an internship can be a great way to go. Cornell says it can even help you stand out from the pack when it comes to getting a job. 

‘Many employers view internship experience as a strong indicator of job readiness, and in some cases, an internship can even lead to a permanent role,’ Cornell says. ‘Even if it doesn’t, the experience, connections, and confidence you gain will help you stand out when applying for graduate positions later.’