An intern is a student or a trainee who works without pay in the form of a stipend to usually gain work experience or satisfy requirements for a qualification.

Internships are for a temporary period and generally fall into specific categories. Internship opportunities in India are career-specific. College students often choose internships based on their field of study. Students often perceive it as a way to develop their capabilities by practically applying their degree while learning in a professional work environment.

Most students apply for internships during their summer and winter breaks. In some universities, internships during college breaks are mandatory and part of the curriculum. It is common for previous interns to become employees of the organisation once they have acquired the necessary skills and experience.

Generally an internship consists of an exchange of experiences between the student and the organisation. The organisation makes use of the student’s skills, while the student can determine if he or she has interest in a particular career, would like to continue, or wants to create a network of contacts.

In a research internship, a student does research for a particular company or organisation. The company can have something that they feel they need to improve, or the student can choose a topic within the company themselves. The results of the research study will be put in a report, which often has to be presented.