The difference between an internship and a capstone project in tertiary education (2024)

The difference between an internship and a capstone project in tertiary education (1)

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Miqdad Hassan The difference between an internship and a capstone project in tertiary education (2)

Miqdad Hassan

Founder and CEO at CareerDC

Published Jan 26, 2023

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Internships and capstone projects are both common experiences for students in tertiary education, but they are distinct in their purpose and structure.

An internship is a supervised work-based learning experience that allows students to apply the knowledge they have acquired in the classroom to a real-world setting. Internships are often unpaid positions and are usually taken up by students in the later stages of their degree program. They are designed to provide students with hands-on experience in a specific industry or field of study and can be a great way for students to gain valuable work experience and make connections in their chosen field.

On the other hand, a capstone project is a culminating experience that is typically completed by a student in their final year of study. Capstone projects are usually research-based and require students to show the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their degree program. Capstone projects are often completed under the supervision of a faculty member and may be completed individually or in a group. They are designed to challenge students to think critically and apply their knowledge in a real-world setting, and they are often used as a means of assessing student learning outcomes.

In summary, internships and capstone projects are different in their structure, and timing. Internships provide students with hands-on experience in a specific field or industry, while capstone projects are a culminating experience that allows students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their degree program. Both experiences are valuable in their own right, and students should consider taking advantage of both opportunities if they are available to them. However, some institutions may require only one of these or may have different names for them. It is best to consult with your institution or program advisor for more information.

#capstoneproject #internship

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Dhara Mishra

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Miqdad, thanks for sharing!

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The difference between an internship and a capstone project in tertiary education (2024)

FAQs

The difference between an internship and a capstone project in tertiary education? ›

Internships provide students with hands-on experience in a specific field or industry, while capstone projects are a culminating experience that allows students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their degree program.

What is a capstone project in education? ›

Typically the capstone is the final piece of work or project that wraps up the entire academic program and represents a significant milestone in academic and professional development.

What is the difference between an internship and a project? ›

An internship is a short-term work experience that is typically completed by students or recent graduates. The purpose of an internship is to provide hands-on training and exposure to the industry. On the other hand, a project is a specific task or assignment that is completed by an individual or team.

What is the difference between a capstone project and a normal project? ›

A capstone course has expectations similar to a project. The difference is that the scope of the project is defined so that the results can be achieved within a semester. Also, students work with the instructor of the course (or another faculty member, if required) rather than a faculty committee.

Does capstone count as professional experience? ›

How Do I Present My Capstone Project on My Resume? The MPA Capstone Project is an excellent professional experience to highlight on your resume.

What is a capstone internship? ›

Internships provide students with hands-on experience in a specific field or industry, while capstone projects are a culminating experience that allows students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their degree program.

What are the examples of capstone project? ›

Best Capstone Project Ideas
  • Smartphone App Development for Local Events.
  • Green School Garden Design.
  • Teenagers' Mood Study on Social Media Impact.
  • Small Business Recycling Plan Creation.
  • Hometown Tourist Spots Mapping.
  • Music's Impact on Study Time Investigation.
  • Charity Website Building.
Feb 25, 2024

Is a capstone project the same as an internship? ›

Internships provide students with hands-on experience in a specific field or industry, while capstone projects are a culminating experience that allows students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their degree program.

What counts as an internship? ›

A quality internship: Consists of a part-time or full-time work schedule that includes no more than 25% clerical or administrative duties. Provides a clear job/project description for the work experience. Orients the student to the organization, its culture and proposed work assignment(s).

What comes first practicum or internship? ›

An internship typically takes place later in a student's program than a practicum, and accordingly, responsibilities undertaken tend to be more significant during the internship. Student teaching interns might plan and implement whole lessons, rather than observing a teacher and participating in group work.

What are the five parts of a capstone project? ›

Components of a Capstone Project
  • Abstract.
  • Introduction.
  • Literature Review.
  • Methodology.
  • Findings.
  • Discussions.
May 23, 2022

Can you fail a capstone project? ›

Yes, you can fail a capstone course.

Is capstone project mandatory? ›

Most graduate school programs require students to write a thesis or complete a Capstone Project. Capstone projects vary from program to program and often are a requirement to provide students the opportunity to use what they have learned and apply it to a specific area of professional practice.

Do capstone projects look good on a resume? ›

But if you just finished college, a big project—whether you did it for a class, an honors or capstone program, an internship, or your own research—can show that you have a lot of valuable workplace skills such as leadership, collaboration, presentation, and public speaking, Goodfellow says.

Can I put my capstone project on my resume? ›

A capstone, thesis or senior project can be included if your major had one. ←WORK EXPERIENCE: Use action verbs to describe your experience. State specific accomplishments and quantify measurable results with numbers.

Can we mention capstone project in resume? ›

The importance of the Capstone Project: Mentioning your Capstone projects on your resume is a sure-shot way to get noticed. It shows you have learnt the tools and skills you need to do a good job.

What happens if you fail a capstone class? ›

Can you fail a capstone course? Yes, you can fail a capstone course. However, failing a capstone course at some universities could disqualify you from graduating from that particular major or program.

What is a grade 12 capstone project? ›

Capstone Overview: What is a Capstone? A culminating project, presentation or performance that allows students the opportunity to showcase their learning from both school and life experience into a meaningful product.

What is the difference between capstone and thesis? ›

A capstone project attempts to address an issue in the field by applying existing knowledge toward a real-life problem (often in the form of fieldwork). A thesis seeks to create new knowledge through student research, trying to prove or argue a hypothesis, rather than just investigate a topic.

What does capstone stand for? ›

: the high point : crowning achievement.

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