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There are two main timeframes for internship programs: the summer and the academic year. Academic year programs can take place in the fall, winter, or spring—sometimes over several semesters. Both types of internships provide students with a learning experience and networking opportunities, but they also have their differences. Here are some of the main distinctions to consider when choosing the right timeframe for you.
Competition
Summer internships are highly sought after, making for tough competition for a spot in top programs. According to NACE, over half of students prefer to intern during the summer rather than during the fall, winter, or spring. With so many students looking for the same thing, this can make it more difficult to stand out during the hiring process. On the other hand, this means competition for academic year programs is much lower. Not as many students are competing for the same role, so you may be more likely to get a spot.
Cohort Size
With a majority of students having summer internships, program cohorts are understandably larger compared to those of academic year programs. This can be a pro or con, depending on what you’re looking for. Larger programs provide you with the opportunity to network with more of your peers and work alongside people with a wider range of backgrounds. More interns can also mean it’s not as easy to stand out compared to smaller programs, where leadership gets to spend more time with each intern.
Hours
If you’re looking for a full-time internship, a summer program will likely be the best fit for you. These programs typically offer full-time hours during the summer with a full 40-hour work week. Some internships still run part-time during the summer, but most programs are largely focused on providing a full-time schedule.
On the other hand, if you’d prefer a part-time opportunity, a fall or spring program may be the right move for you. A part-time schedule works best for students who are balancing a full course load at the same time as the internship. Balancing internship projects and academic work requires some time management skills, but the experience you will gain is well worth it.
Remote & Hybrid vs. In-Person Opportunities
Depending on the specific program, summer interns can have the option of working remotely, in a hybrid capacity, or in-person. A majority of summer programs require at least some in-person work at the office, according to NACE. Remote programs are much harder to find during the summer months.
Spring and fall programs, however, have a higher percentage of remote roles. A remote modality may work better for students whose college campus is in one state, while their desired internship is in another. This allows students to complete their schooling and an internship at the same time. In-person roles are still available in the fall and spring, but this requires the company to be within commuting distance of your college campus.
Program Length
Summer programs are typically 8–12 weeks in length, with some variations depending on the specific company. These programs fit perfectly between the spring semester ending and the fall semester beginning.
Spring and fall programs last a bit longer, usually spanning the entire semester. Since these programs are largely part-time, this increased duration allows for a full internship experience and industry exposure.
Winter programs are sometimes referred to as “micro-internships” if they take place over winter break. These programs are unique for only being a couple of weeks long. The experience students gain in these types of programs is more concentrated, with a lot of learning packed into a short timeframe. These types of programs are great if you’d like a better understanding of an industry before committing to a longer position. Micro-internships also work to give you a short-term view of the company in particular, letting you decide if you’d like to come back for a longer stint down the line. They can also be used to stack your resume with a second internship after you’ve completed a standard summer program.
Finding the right internship for you largely depends on your values and what experience you are looking for. Check out the Vault Internship Rankings to find the program that best fits your needs.
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