Volunteer vs. Intern: Difference and Comparison

By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Published on April 6, 2024

A volunteer offers their time and skills for free to support a cause or organization without expecting payment, while an intern works within an organization, often for educational credit, experience, or sometimes a stipend.

Volunteer vs. Intern

Difference Between Volunteer and Intern

Volunteers engage in activities out of altruism or personal interest, contributing without financial compensation. They choose roles based on their passion or the desire to give back to the community. Interns, however, often seek to gain specific skills, experience, or academic credit related to their field of study, and their work is structured with learning objectives in mind.

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The commitment level and duration can vary significantly between volunteers and interns. Volunteer engagements can be flexible, short-term, or on an as-needed basis, driven by the volunteer's availability and interest. Internships are typically for a fixed duration with a defined schedule, focusing on the intern's professional development within their chosen field.

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The nature of work for volunteers can range widely from administrative tasks to hands-on community work, depending on the organization's needs and the volunteer's skills. Interns are usually assigned tasks and projects that align closely with their educational pursuits or career interests, providing practical experience in a professional setting.

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Volunteers do not expect to receive any form of payment for their services, although they may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. Some internships are paid, offering stipends or wages, while others are unpaid, especially if they are for academic credit. Regardless, interns might expect some form of compensation, whether it's experience, education, or monetary.

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Organizations benefit from both volunteers and interns but in different ways. Volunteers provide valuable support without impacting the organization's payroll, enhancing community engagement and outreach. Interns bring fresh perspectives and can contribute to projects with the latest academic knowledge, while the organization plays a crucial role in their professional development.

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Volunteer vs. Intern Comparison Chart

Primary Motivation

Altruism, personal interest, desire to give back.

Professional development, academic credit.

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Compensation

None, possible reimbursement for expenses.

Sometimes paid, often for academic credit.

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Duration

Flexible, can be short-term or as-needed.

Fixed duration with a defined schedule.

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Nature of Work

Varied, based on organization's needs.

Related to field of study or career interests.

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Expectations

Driven by volunteer's availability and interest.

Structured with learning objectives.

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Volunteer vs. Intern Definitions

◉Volunteer

An individual offering time and skills for free to benefit a cause.

She volunteers at the animal shelter on weekends.

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◉Intern

A student or recent graduate undergoing professional training.

The intern at the marketing department assists with research.

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◉Volunteer

Someone working without financial compensation to support non-profit missions.

Volunteers at the community center help with after-school programs.

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◉Intern

A person in a temporary position with an emphasis on on-the-job training.

Interns at the software company contribute to coding and software development.

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◉Volunteer

A person contributing to community projects out of personal interest.

He volunteers for beach clean-up drives every summer.

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◉Intern

Someone gaining practical experience in their field of study.

Interns at the law firm get firsthand experience with case management.

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◉Volunteer

Engaging in voluntary work for altruistic reasons.

Many volunteers contribute to disaster relief efforts without expecting anything in return.

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◉Intern

An individual working, sometimes unpaid, for career advancement.

She's an intern at the hospital, gaining clinical experience for her degree.

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◉Volunteer

A volunteer participates in activities to give back to society.

Volunteers organize food drives for the homeless during the holidays.

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◉Intern

Engaging in an internship for academic credit or professional development.

The engineering interns work on projects related to renewable energy.

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◉Volunteer

A person who performs or offers to perform a service voluntarily

An information booth staffed by volunteers.

Hospital volunteers.

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◉Intern

A student or a recent graduate undergoing supervised practical training.

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◉Volunteer

A person who chooses to enter a branch of the military without being drafted or forced to do so by law.

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◉Intern

A physician who has recently graduated from medical school and is learning medical practice in a hospital under supervision, prior to beginning a residency program.

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Volunteer vs. Intern Frequently Asked Questions

What does an intern do?

An intern works within an organization to gain practical experience, skills, or academic credit in their field of study.

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Can volunteering lead to a job?

While volunteering is primarily for altruistic reasons, it can sometimes lead to employment opportunities through networking and demonstrating valuable skills.

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What motivates people to volunteer?

People volunteer out of altruism, personal interest, or the desire to contribute to their community.

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What is a volunteer?

A volunteer is someone who offers their time and skills for free to support a cause or organization.

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Are interns paid?

Interns may be paid or unpaid, depending on the internship's nature and the organization's policies.

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What are the benefits of an internship?

Internships offer practical experience, skill development, professional networking, and sometimes academic credit or financial compensation.

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Is it necessary to have experience to volunteer?

While some volunteer positions may require specific skills, many are open to individuals without prior experience, offering training as needed.

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Do interns need specific qualifications?

Intern qualifications vary by field and organization, often related to their area of study or career interests.

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What is the difference between a volunteer and an intern?

The main difference lies in motivation and compensation; volunteers seek to give back without expectation of payment, while interns aim for professional development, possibly with some form of compensation.

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What kinds of tasks do volunteers do?

Volunteer tasks can vary widely, from administrative support to hands-on community service, depending on the organization's needs.

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How long do internships last?

Internships usually have a fixed duration, typically ranging from a few months to a year, depending on the program.

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Do volunteers receive any form of compensation?

Volunteers do not receive financial compensation but may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.

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Can anyone be a volunteer?

Yes, anyone can volunteer, regardless of age or professional background, depending on the organization's needs and volunteer's interests.

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Why do organizations offer internships?

Organizations offer internships to contribute to educational goals, bring in fresh ideas, and potentially recruit future employees.

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How do I choose between volunteering and interning?

The choice depends on your goals: if seeking professional development or academic credit, an internship might be better; if aiming to give back to the community without expecting compensation, volunteering would be suitable.

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Content Creators

Written by

As a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.

Co-written by

At Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.