Summer internships are a great way for students and recent graduates to gain work experience in their field of study. Internships provide valuable opportunities to learn new skills, build your resume, network with professionals, and potentially land a full-time job offer. But how long do these summer internships typically last? Let’s take a closer look.
Typical Internship Length
Most summer internships last between 8 to 12 weeks, with 10 weeks being the most common length. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the average internship length in 2021 was:
- 8 weeks: 15% of internships
- 10 weeks: 55% of internships
- 12 weeks: 24% of internships
- More than 12 weeks: 6% of internships
So the majority of summer internships are right around that 10 week timeframe. This provides enough time for interns to sufficiently learn, contribute, and complete meaningful projects. Longer 12 week internships allow students to start right after finals in May/June and work until August. Shorter 8 week stints generally run through the core of summer from June to August.
Why 10 Weeks?
There are a few key reasons why 10 weeks has emerged as the standard length for most summer internships:
- Academic calendar – A 10 week internship aligns nicely with the summer break between spring and fall university semesters. This gives students a good chunk of the summer to gain experience while still leaving time for summer courses or other activities.
- Onboarding & training – The first 1-2 weeks of an internship are typically spent onboarding, with orientation, training, and ramp-up. A 10 week term allows enough time for this onboarding, as well as 8-9 weeks of productive work.
- Meaningful projects – Interns need time to learn, be assigned challenging projects, and produce deliverables. Ten weeks provides enough time to contribute to one or more substantive projects from start to finish.
- Conversion to full-time – For employers hiring interns as a talent pipeline, 10-12 weeks allows time to adequately evaluate interns for possible full-time job offers after graduation.
The 10 week duration hits a sweet spot, enabling interns to fully experience a workplace and make an impact through their work. Shorter internships may not allow enough time for meaningful contributions, while longer ones can disrupt academics.
Typical Weekly Hours
In addition to length in weeks, the number of work hours in a typical internship is important to consider. Most summer internships are full-time roles, with interns working regular business hours each week.
According to the NACE survey, the average weekly hours worked by interns are:
Hours Per Week | Percentage of Internships |
---|---|
35 hours or less | 26% |
36-40 hours | 55% |
More than 40 hours | 19% |
So more than half of internships involve a typical full-time schedule of 36-40 hours per week. Some roles may require overtime, while others are more flexible for students taking summer classes. The hours expectations should be discussed prior to accepting an internship.
Factors That Impact Length
While 10-12 weeks is typical, the duration of an internship can vary based on a few key factors:
Industry
Some industries like consulting or investment banking are known for shorter 6-8 week internships focused on fast-paced project work. Internships at startups may also be slightly shorter. On the other hand, government and research internships tend to be 12 weeks or longer.
Location
Regional differences exist as well. According to Glassdoor data, average internship lengths by region are:
- Northeast US: 11.3 weeks
- West US: 10.4 weeks
- Midwest US: 10.3 weeks
- South US: 9.6 weeks
So internships on the coasts, especially the Northeast, skew a bit longer.
Company
The specific internship policies and cycles at a company will impact duration too. Larger companies tend to offer more structured 10-12 week programs, while at smaller firms it could vary each year.
Student Needs
Finally, a student’s specific needs around summer classes, other obligations, or financial realities may require a shorter or longer internship. Flexibility is key, and duration should be discussed upfront.
Extension Options
Sometimes an internship goes so well that both the employer and intern want to extend it. Fortunately, many employers are open to extending strong interns for a certain period of time.
According to Intern Compass, of internships that were extended:
- 29% lasted 1-4 extra weeks
- 26% lasted 5-8 extra weeks
- 23% lasted 9-12 extra weeks
- 22% lasted more than 12 extra weeks
So the majority of internship extensions range from 1-12 additional weeks. This enables the intern to continue working on existing or new projects at the company. Exceptions can be made to extend further based on particular circumstances.
Part-Time Internships
While most summer internships are full-time, some accommodations can be made for part-time schedules. This allows students to complete an internship while also taking summer classes or attending to other commitments. According to Intern Compass:
- 61% of part-time internships last 5-10 weeks
- 24% last 10-15 weeks
- 15% are less than 5 weeks
Typical weekly hours for a part-time intern range from 15-30 hours, with an average of about 20 hours. Durations tend to be a bit shorter for part-time roles to account for the reduced weekly schedule.
Suggesting a Duration
If an internship listing doesn’t specify the length upfront, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask about expected duration in your initial conversations with the employer.
As you discuss details, consider asking:
- How many total weeks do your summer internships typically last?
- What dates would you expect me to start and finish an internship this summer?
- Are there any possibilities for extending the internship if it goes well?
Getting clarity upfront ensures the internship aligns with your summer availability and academic schedule.
Conclusion
A typical summer internship lasts around 10 weeks, with 8-12 weeks being the common range. Full-time schedules of 35-40 hours per week are standard. While duration can vary by industry, location, company policies, and student needs, the 10 week timeline allows interns to sufficiently onboard, work on substantive projects, and be evaluated for full-time roles. Being clear on expected internship length and weekly hours during the application process ensures a great experience for both the student and employer.