What is a Practicum/Internship?
Practicum
Short-term training experience, while an internship is a longer-term job-like experience. Both provide hands-on experience that helps graduate students apply their knowledge in the real world. Typically a shorter, supervised training experience that is required during a graduate program.
Short-term and supervised, involve observing and documenting how professionals perform their jobs, and help students develop understanding.
Focuses on developing foundational counseling skills and understanding.
May involve more observation and less independent work than an internship.
Often a stepping stone to the internship phase.
Internship
More extended and independent than practicums. A more extended and independent experience focused on clinical and professional development.
Involve applying skills and knowledge in the workplace.
Help students understand how to implement their understanding in the real world.
Typically takes place later in a student's program than a practicum.
Allows students to work more independently, applying skills and knowledge in real-world settings.
Interns are expected to perform duties similar to those of a licensed professional.
Often required for licensure or certification in counseling.
Similarities
Both practicums and internships provide hands-on experience.
Both involve working under the supervision of professionals.
While both practicums and internships are supervised on-site experiences, a counseling practicum student is generally considered a student gaining practical experience, while an intern is often seen as a student closer to independent practice.
When to use
Practicums are often used to prepare teachers and clinicians.
Internships are often required for most majors.
Where to find
The American Counseling Association has resources for finding practicum and internship opportunities.
CACREP has guidelines for practicums and internships for counseling students.