Volunteering and interning are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Understanding the difference between the two is important, as it can impact your future career prospects. In this article, we will explore the differences between volunteering and interning, and help you determine which option is right for you.
Volunteering is defined as the act of giving your time and energy to help others, without receiving any compensation. Volunteers typically work with non-profit organizations, charities, or community groups, and may perform a variety of tasks, from fundraising to outreach to hands-on work in the field. Volunteers are motivated by a desire to make a positive impact in their community or to support a cause that they care about.
Interning, on the other hand, is a type of work experience that is typically done by students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical skills and knowledge in a particular field. Interns work for a company or organization, and may be paid or unpaid. The goal of an internship is to provide the intern with real-world experience in their chosen field, and to help them build a network of contacts and references that will be valuable when they begin their job search.
While volunteering and interning may seem similar on the surface, there are some key differences between the two. Volunteering is typically a short-term commitment, while internships are usually longer-term, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Additionally, volunteering is often done on a more flexible schedule, while internships typically require a more structured commitment.
Whether you choose to volunteer or intern, both options can be valuable experiences that can help you build skills, gain experience, and make connections in your community or industry. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your goals and priorities, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Define Volunteer
A volunteer is an individual who offers their time, skills, and services to an organization or cause without receiving any financial compensation. Volunteers are motivated by a desire to contribute to a particular cause or to gain experience in a specific field. They may work in a variety of settings, such as non-profit organizations, hospitals, schools, and government agencies.
Volunteers may perform a range of tasks, from administrative work to hands-on service. Some common volunteer activities include fundraising, event planning, tutoring, mentoring, and providing support for those in need.
Define Intern
An intern is a student or recent graduate who participates in a structured program that provides hands-on experience in a particular field. Interns may work in a variety of settings, such as corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
Interns are typically compensated for their work, either through a stipend or hourly wage. The primary goal of an internship is to provide practical experience and exposure to the industry, as well as to develop skills and build a professional network.
| Volunteer | Intern |
|---|---|
| Unpaid | May be paid |
| May work in a variety of settings | Typically works in a structured program |
| Motivated by a desire to contribute to a cause or gain experience | Motivated by a desire to gain experience and build a professional network |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct terminology is important when discussing the differences between volunteering and interning. Here’s how to properly use the words in a sentence:
How To Use “Volunteer” In A Sentence
- As a verb: “I volunteer at the local food bank every Saturday.”
- As a noun: “She is a dedicated volunteer at the animal shelter.”
- As an adjective: “The volunteer work they did was truly inspiring.”
When using “volunteer” in a sentence, it’s important to remember that it refers to someone who freely offers to do something without being paid. This can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective depending on the context.
How To Use “Intern” In A Sentence
- As a noun: “He is interning at a law firm this summer.”
- As a verb: “I am interning with a marketing company to gain experience.”
- As an adjective: “The intern project was a great success.”
When using “intern” in a sentence, it’s important to remember that it refers to someone who is working for a company or organization to gain experience in a particular field. This can also be used as a noun, verb, or adjective depending on the context.
More Examples Of Volunteer & Intern Used In Sentences
When it comes to understanding the difference between a volunteer and an intern, it’s important to look at how these terms are used in everyday language. Here are some examples of how “volunteer” and “intern” might be used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using “Volunteer” In A Sentence
- She decided to volunteer at the local animal shelter on the weekends.
- He has been a volunteer firefighter for over 10 years.
- As a volunteer, she helps organize community events and fundraisers.
- They are looking for volunteers to help with the charity walk next month.
- He volunteered to be a mentor for at-risk youth in his community.
- The organization relies on volunteers to staff their food bank and soup kitchen.
- She volunteers at the hospital, spending time with patients and their families.
- He volunteers his time as a coach for the local youth soccer league.
- The team of volunteers worked tirelessly to clean up the park after the storm.
- She volunteered to help with the school’s annual book fair.
Examples Of Using “Intern” In A Sentence
- He landed an internship at a top advertising agency in the city.
- As an intern, she was responsible for conducting research and analyzing data.
- They offer internships to college students interested in pursuing a career in journalism.
- He completed an internship with a local non-profit organization last summer.
- She is hoping to secure an internship with a fashion designer in New York.
- The internship program provides students with hands-on experience in their field of study.
- He was offered a full-time position after successfully completing his internship.
- She spent the summer interning at a law firm, learning about the legal profession.
- The company’s internship program is highly competitive and attracts top talent from around the country.
- He credits his internship with helping him land his first job out of college.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the terms “volunteer” and “intern,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two terms have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes people make when using volunteer and intern interchangeably:
Mistake #1: Assuming They Are The Same Thing
One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming that volunteering and interning are the same thing. While both involve working without pay, they have different goals and expectations. Volunteers typically work on short-term projects and do not have specific job responsibilities, while interns are expected to work on longer-term projects and have specific job responsibilities.
Mistake #2: Using The Terms Interchangeably
Another mistake people make is using the terms “volunteer” and “intern” interchangeably. This can be confusing for both the person using the terms and the person they are speaking to. Using the wrong term can also give the impression that you do not understand the difference between the two.
Mistake #3: Assuming All Internships Are Unpaid
Many people assume that all internships are unpaid, which is not true. While some internships are unpaid, many are paid or offer some form of compensation. Assuming that all internships are unpaid can lead to missed opportunities or undervaluing your work.
Tips On How To Avoid Making These Mistakes In The Future:
- Take the time to understand the difference between volunteering and interning.
- Use the correct term when speaking or writing about your work experience.
- Research the compensation and expectations of any internship before accepting it.
Context Matters
When considering whether to volunteer or intern, it is important to take into account the context in which each option is being used. Both volunteering and interning have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two can depend on a variety of factors.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between volunteering and interning might change:
Non-profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations often rely heavily on volunteers to carry out their missions. Volunteers may help with tasks such as fundraising, event planning, and administrative work. In this context, volunteering may be the preferred option, as it allows individuals to contribute their time and skills to a cause they are passionate about without the pressure of meeting specific job requirements.
On the other hand, non-profit organizations may also offer internships for individuals who are interested in gaining experience in a particular field. Interns may be given more specific tasks and responsibilities, and may have the opportunity to work closely with professionals in their chosen field. In this context, interning may be the preferred option, as it allows individuals to gain valuable experience and make connections in their desired industry.
Corporate Settings
In a corporate setting, volunteering may still be an option, but it may look different than it does in a non-profit organization. For example, a company may offer paid time off for employees to volunteer in their community. In this context, volunteering may be seen as a way to give back and build relationships with the local community.
Interning in a corporate setting may also be an option, particularly for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain experience in a particular industry. Interns may be given specific projects to work on, and may have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in their field. In this context, interning may be the preferred option, as it allows individuals to gain valuable experience and potentially lead to a full-time job offer.
Academic Settings
In an academic setting, internships may be a requirement for certain degree programs. Students may be required to complete a certain number of hours in an internship in order to graduate. In this context, interning may be the only option.
Volunteering may also be an option in an academic setting, particularly for students who are looking to gain experience in a particular field or build their resume. However, in this context, volunteering may be seen as more of a supplementary activity rather than a requirement.
The choice between volunteering and interning can depend on a variety of factors, including the context in which each option is being used. By considering the specific context and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each option, individuals can make an informed decision about which option is right for them.
Exceptions To The Rules
While there are general guidelines for using the terms “volunteer” and “intern,” there are some exceptions to these rules. Here are a few instances where the typical definitions may not apply:
1. Short-term Volunteer Work
Typically, volunteer work is considered to be a long-term commitment, with volunteers expected to contribute their time and effort for an extended period. However, there are instances where short-term volunteer work is acceptable. For example, if an organization is hosting a one-time event, they may seek volunteers to help with setup, cleanup, or other tasks. In this case, the volunteers are not expected to make a long-term commitment, and the organization may not provide extensive training or supervision.
2. Paid Internships
While internships are generally unpaid, there are some exceptions. In some cases, companies may offer paid internships to attract highly qualified candidates or to compensate interns for their work. These paid internships may be similar to entry-level positions, with interns expected to perform tasks and duties similar to those of full-time employees.
3. Volunteer Work With Specific Skills
While volunteers are typically not expected to have specific skills or qualifications, there are instances where specialized knowledge or expertise is required. For example, a hospital may seek volunteers with medical training or experience to assist with patient care. In this case, the volunteers are not expected to receive extensive training or supervision, but they are expected to have a certain level of expertise in their field.
4. Internships With Limited Supervision
While internships are typically structured with a supervisor or mentor providing guidance and feedback, there are some instances where interns may work independently or with limited supervision. For example, a research internship may require the intern to work on a project independently, with occasional check-ins with a supervisor. In this case, the intern is still considered an intern, even though they may have more autonomy than a typical intern.
| Exception | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term volunteer work | Volunteer work that is not expected to be a long-term commitment | Volunteering for a one-time event |
| Paid internships | Internships that offer compensation to the intern | An intern working for a company as an entry-level position |
| Volunteer work with specific skills | Volunteer work that requires specialized knowledge or expertise | A hospital seeking volunteers with medical training or experience |
| Internships with limited supervision | Internships where the intern may work independently or with limited supervision | A research internship where the intern works on a project independently with occasional check-ins with a supervisor |
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of the terms “volunteer” and “intern” is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that can help:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with the correct term:
- She decided to _______ at the local animal shelter on the weekends.
- The company offered her an _______ position in the marketing department.
- He wanted to gain experience in the field, so he applied for an _______ position at a non-profit organization.
Answer Key:
- volunteer
- intern
- intern
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct term to complete each sentence:
- Someone who works without pay is a(n) _______.
- a) volunteer
- b) intern
- c) both
- a) volunteer
- b) intern
- c) both
- a) volunteer
- b) intern
- c) both
Answer Key:
- a) volunteer
- b) intern
- b) intern
Exercise 3: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using each term correctly:
- volunteer
- intern
Answer Key:
- She decided to volunteer at the local food bank every Saturday.
- He was offered an intern position at a law firm to gain experience in the legal field.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between volunteering and interning, it is clear that both options offer unique benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Volunteering allows individuals to give back to their communities and make a positive impact without the pressure of meeting specific job requirements or expectations. It can also provide valuable networking opportunities and help individuals develop new skills.
On the other hand, interning offers the chance to gain hands-on experience in a specific field, work with professionals, and potentially secure a job after the internship is complete. It can also provide a structured learning environment and the opportunity to earn academic credit.
Ultimately, the decision to volunteer or intern depends on an individual’s personal goals and priorities. Regardless of which option they choose, it is important to approach the experience with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to making the most of the opportunity.
Key Takeaways:
- Volunteering and interning offer unique benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Volunteering allows individuals to give back to their communities and make a positive impact without the pressure of meeting specific job requirements or expectations.
- Interning offers the chance to gain hands-on experience in a specific field, work with professionals, and potentially secure a job after the internship is complete.
- The decision to volunteer or intern depends on an individual’s personal goals and priorities.
- Approach the experience with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to making the most of the opportunity.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, individuals can improve their communication skills and enhance their overall effectiveness in both personal and professional settings. Whether it’s through reading books, taking classes, or practicing writing and speaking, there are many ways to continue developing these important skills.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.