Internship vs. Fellowship

While both internships and fellowships are great ways to make connections, strengthen your skills, and gain experience, it is important to know the differences in order to find the right fit for you.

An internship is a temporary position at a company or law firm that helps students gain insight into a field or practice area. In essence, you are volunteering your time to the company in return for gaining valuable knowledge about that field and establishing important connections in a field of interest. The length of the internship as well as responsibilities that come along with the position varies from company to company. Internships are designed to expose the students to the dynamics of working in a specific field by exposing them to real-world applications.

At MSLAW, you may earn up to six credit hours towards your Juris Doctor working in a non-paid internship position. The student must have completed at least 45 credit hours and not have been on academic probation for at least two semesters in order to participate in this program. Not only is it a great experience to put on your resume, but you will also gain important professional contacts and relationships that will benefit you in the future. All internships must be approved by Associate Dean Coyne or Assistant Dean Sullivan prior to beginning the internship. There is a package in the front office for all students interested in obtaining an internship. Students are required to meet regularly with their supervising attorney as well as participate in a classroom component.

When you are considering an internship, there are several questions to ask yourself before you entertain a position. How will it help me? What is the time commitment? Is there a possibility for employment after the internship?

Fellowships are also positions at a company or law firm that helps students gain insight into a field or practice area but fellowships often will provide some form of monetary stipend to the student or attorney for a defined project or job. Most fellowships require a firm commitment to participate for a fixed period. Some fellowships are lucrative or prestigious so they can get competitive. Fellowships give the individual time to work in a specialized area, gain experience, and strengthen their skills. Public interest groups and the attorney general’s offices often award fellowships.

Qualifications for fellowships will vary. No matter what professional experience you are interested in, your journey begins with a professional well-written resume that fully describes your qualifications.

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