An intern is someone, often a student or recent graduate, who works at a company or organization for a limited time to learn about a profession or industry. Interns might spend their summer working at a law firm, hospital, technology company, or museum to see what those careers are really like. Some internships pay money, while others offer school credit or simply valuable experience.

The experience helps interns figure out if they'd enjoy that kind of work and gives them skills and connections they'll need for future jobs. A high school student might intern at a veterinary clinic to learn about animal care, or a college student might intern at a newspaper to practice journalism. Companies benefit too because interns bring fresh energy and new perspectives.

The word intern can also be a verb. When you intern somewhere, you're working as an intern: “She plans to intern at NASA next summer.”

Internships can range from a few weeks to several months. While interns are still learning and might do simple tasks like making coffee or filing papers, good internships also give meaningful responsibilities. The best part? Internships often help people land their first real job because employers like hiring people who've already proven themselves as interns.