Volunteering vs. Internship: Difference and Comparison

Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on March 18, 2024

Volunteering involves donating time to serve a community or organization without financial compensation, focusing on social good and personal fulfillment. An internship is a position offered by an organization for a limited period to gain work experience.

Volunteering vs. Internship

Difference Between Volunteering and Internship

Volunteering is driven by the desire to contribute to the community and make a positive impact, often aligning with personal values or social causes. Internships are structured to provide professional experience, skills development, and a deeper understanding of a particular field, potentially leading to employment.

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Volunteers do not receive monetary compensation, though they may gain personal satisfaction, new skills, and valuable connections. Interns might receive a stipend, salary, or academic credit, offering a direct benefit to their career or education.

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Volunteering can be flexible, with individuals choosing their hours and duration of commitment based on personal availability and the needs of the organization. Internships have a defined duration, typically ranging from a few months to a year, with expectations for a certain number of hours per week.

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Volunteer activities can vary widely in structure, from informal community service to more organized roles in large nonprofits. Internships are usually more structured, with specific tasks, goals, and regular supervision to ensure professional development.

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Volunteering is less likely to be governed by formal agreements beyond basic organizational policies. Internships often involve formal agreements detailing the duration, expectations, and any compensation, and may require coordination with educational institutions for academic credit.

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Volunteering vs. Internship Comparison Chart

Purpose

Social good, personal fulfillment

Professional experience, career advancement

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Compensation

None (personal satisfaction)

Possible stipend, salary, or academic credit

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Duration

Flexible, varies widely

Fixed term, typically a few months to a year

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Structure

Can be informal or organized

Structured with specific tasks and goals

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Supervision

Varies by organization

Regular, with a focus on learning

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Benefits

Personal growth, new skills, networking

Skills development, professional networking, potential job offer

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Legal Framework

Minimal, based on organization policy

Often formal, with agreements outlining terms

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Volunteering vs. Internship Definitions

◉Volunteering

Giving time to support a cause without pay.

I spent the summer volunteering at a local animal shelter, helping care for abandoned pets.

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◉Internship

A temporary position to gain work experience, often with some compensation.

My internship at the marketing firm offered insights into industry practices and included a small stipend.

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◉Volunteering

Can be done at any organization for social impact.

Volunteering at the food bank provided a sense of community contribution.

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◉Internship

Can lead to academic credit or future employment opportunities.

Completing an internship is a requirement for my business degree.

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◉Volunteering

Offers flexibility in commitment and roles.

I volunteer on weekends to teach coding to high school students.

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◉Internship

Designed to provide exposure to a professional field.

The engineering internship involved shadowing project managers on real projects.

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◉Volunteering

Engages in diverse activities based on personal and community needs.

As a volunteer, I organized a neighborhood cleanup initiative.

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◉Internship

Involves supervision and mentorship for professional growth.

My internship mentor provided valuable feedback on my design projects.

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◉Volunteering

Benefits include personal satisfaction and skill development.

Volunteering in disaster relief improved my leadership skills.

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◉Internship

Usually has a set duration and specific objectives.

My three-month internship focused on developing a new software feature.

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◉Volunteering

A person who performs or offers to perform a service voluntarily

An information booth staffed by volunteers.

Hospital volunteers.

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◉Internship

A student or a recent graduate undergoing supervised practical training.

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◉Internship

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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Volunteering vs. Internship Frequently Asked Questions

Can volunteering turn into an internship?

While they serve different purposes, exceptional volunteering performance may lead to internship opportunities, especially in organizations that value community engagement.

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How do I decide between a volunteering opportunity and an internship?

Consider your goals: if you aim to gain professional experience or explore a career path, an internship might be preferable. If you're looking to give back to the community or support a cause you're passionate about, volunteering would be a better fit.

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Is it common to receive academic credit for volunteering?

Academic credit for volunteering is less common and typically depends on the educational institution's policies and the nature of the volunteer work.

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Can interns volunteer their time instead of receiving compensation?

Interns may volunteer in non-profit organizations or roles that traditionally do not offer compensation, but this should be clearly defined and comply with labor laws.

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Are there legal distinctions between volunteers and interns?

Yes, there are legal distinctions, particularly regarding compensation, benefits, and labor protections. Interns, especially those in paid positions, are often covered by labor laws, whereas volunteers are not.

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How can both volunteering and internships impact my future job prospects?

Both can positively impact job prospects by expanding your network, developing new skills, and demonstrating your commitment to professional growth or social responsibility.

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Can I do both volunteering and an internship at the same time?

Yes, if you can manage your time and commitments effectively, engaging in both activities can offer a broad range of experiences and benefits.

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Should I choose volunteering or an internship for career development?

For specific career skills and experience, an internship is more targeted. Volunteering is valuable for personal growth and contributing to social causes, which can also enhance your resume.

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What are the responsibilities of organizations hosting volunteers and interns?

Organizations are responsible for providing meaningful experiences, appropriate supervision, and, for interns, compensation (if agreed upon), while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for both.

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How do I make the most out of my volunteering or internship experience?

Set clear goals, seek feedback, take initiative, and use the opportunity to network and develop both personal and professional skills.

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Content Creators

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.

Edited 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.