Internship: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：structured work placement (internship)

internship 🔊

/ˈɪntɜːnʃɪp/

A short-term, organized work experience, usually for students, to learn skills and explore a career.

Internship illustration: A young intern learning from a mentor at a modern office workspace.

structured work placement 🔊

➕

/ˈstrʌkʧərd wɜːrk ˈpleɪsmənt/

A temporary, organized position where individuals, often students, gain hands-on experience and explore a professional field.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'intern' (Latin 'internus' meaning 'internal') + '-ship' suffix denoting state or condition.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine an 'intern-ship' as a vessel sailing trainees into professional development.

📖 Example

Her internship at the marketing company gave her valuable experience in writing reports and managing social media. 🔊 Her temporary work placement at the marketing firm provided her with useful skills in report writing and social media management.

🔗 Collocations

summer internship – a work experience program conducted during the summer months

paid internship – an internship that offers monetary compensation to the participant

internship program – an organized series of internships within an institution or company

🔄 Synonyms

apprenticeship (n.) – A system of training for a skilled trade, often involving practical work under supervision.

traineeship (n.) – A period of training for a specific job or profession, similar to an internship.

externship (n.) – A short-term experiential learning opportunity, commonly in fields like healthcare or law.

🚫 Antonyms

permanent position (n.) – A long-term, stable job as opposed to a temporary internship.

unemployment (n.) – The state of not having a job, in contrast to the structured work of an internship.

🌱 Derivatives

intern (n.) – A person who works as an intern in a temporary position.

intern (v.) – To work as an intern, typically for gaining experience.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from 'intern', from Latin 'internus'. Modern internships are key for students transitioning from education to work, providing practical experience.