“We’re sorry, but 3 years of relevant experience are encouraged to apply.”
If you’ve ever applied for jobs in Nigeria, this line may sound painfully familiar. And you’re wondering how they want you to have these number of years of experience when no one is willing to employ you.
In the world of job applications, especially for fresh graduates and young professionals, work experience and internship often come up in conversations. But what’s the difference between the two, and why does it matter when applying for jobs?
What is Work Experience?
Work experience refers to the knowledge, skills and expertise gained by an individual in a real work environment. This can include:
- A full-time or part-time job
- Volunteering
- Freelance or contract jobs
- Entrepreneurial projects
- Leadership roles (e.g., heading a campus fellowship, leading teams, or student association)
Work experience is usually broader and more long-term than internships.in accessing your independence in a professional context,employers often place significant weight on work experience.
What is an Internship?
An internship is a temporary work experience offered by organizations for a limited time to help students or recent graduates gain exposure to the working world. Internships can be:
- Paid or unpaid
- Part-time or full-time
- Short-term (typically 3–6 months)
The goal is not necessarily to earn money but to learn, observe, and develop skills relevant to a career field. It’s a foot-in-the-door experience and often, a stepping stone to full-time employment.
Internships differ from Work Experience in very sought ways. However, the former can adequately replace the latter.
- Duration: Internships are typically short-term. Work experience can be long-term or ongoing.
- Objective: Internships are more learning-focused. Work experience leans toward contribution and results.
- Supervision: Interns are closely supervised. Employees with work experience are expected to perform with less supervision.
- Pay: Many internships are unpaid. Work experience roles are usually paid or compensated in some way.
- Nature of Work: Interns often assist and observe. Those with work experience are expected to take responsibility.
Why This Matters to Job Seekers
Understanding this distinction helps you present your experience in a way that positions you better during job applications.
For instance:
- Listing your internship under “Work Experience” on your CV isn’t wrong, but you should clearly label it as Intern so recruiters know what level of experience to expect.
- If you’ve led a student organization, volunteered, or worked in a family business, that can count as work experience, especially when you quantify your impact.
Tips for Leveraging Both on Your CV
- Be honest about your role. Don’t exaggerate an internship as a full-time job.
- Highlight results. Whether internship or work experience, show what you achieved.
- Use action verbs. “Organized,” “Managed,” “Assisted,” “Designed,” “Contributed”, these show responsibility.
- Tailor your descriptions. Use keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Both your Internship and Work Experience are Invaluable?
Internships and Work experiences are both valuable. But here’s the trick:
Internships get you started. Work experience keeps you moving.
So:
- If you’re still in school, go for internships and volunteering opportunities.
- If you’ve graduated, look for entry-level jobs, fellowships, or freelance gigs that count as solid work experience.
FAQs
Can I include unpaid internships as work experience
Yes, as long as they were structured, relevant, and added real value. Just label them clearly as internships.
I’ve never worked in a company. Can my volunteering experience count?
Absolutely. As long as it taught you real-world skills like communication, teamwork, or project management, it counts.
What if I only have one internship experience, is that enough?
It’s a great start! Make it count by focusing on what you learned and achieved. You can build more experience over time.
How do I explain short internships on my CV?
Be honest about the duration. Even if it lasted a few weeks, describe what you learned or contributed in that time.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a short-term internship or a long-term role, every experience matters. The goal is not to just “fill your CV”, it is to show growth, value, and readiness for your next opportunity. That is the only way to know that you can deliver.
So don’t downplay your internship, and don’t overlook your small gigs. It’s not just about where you’ve worked, but what you did, proesses adhered to, and what you learned while at it.