Intern: A student or fresh graduate who joins a company for a limited time to learn on the job. Interns usually get smaller, well-defined tasks and a mentor to guide them.
Example
As an intern, you might be asked to write tests for an existing module before you touch any new features.
Why Intern matters for IT interns
Nobody expects an intern to know everything. They do expect you to learn, ask questions and follow through on what you take on.
Where you will hear it
You will come across this term while searching for internships, reading offers, and talking to recruiters or your college placement cell. If someone uses it and you are not sure what they mean in your project, it is completely fine to ask; every team uses terms a little differently.
Related terms
- Entry-Level: A role meant for people starting their career, with basic required skills and some training provided.
- Fresher: Someone with little or no full-time work experience, usually a recent graduate.
- Full-Time Opportunity: The possibility of a permanent job after or during your internship, depending on your performance and the…
- Internship: A fixed period where you work in a real company team as a learner, doing actual tasks under guidance.
- Internship Agreement: A document you and the company (sometimes your college too) sign, listing the terms of the internship —…
- Internship Duration: How long the internship lasts — for example 2, 3, 6 or 12 months.
Previous term: Integration Testing | Next term: Internship
Related guides
- IT Internship Guide for Students in India
- How to Apply for an IT Internship
- Internship Offer Letter: What to Check
Frequently asked questions
What is Intern?
A student or fresh graduate who joins a company for a limited time to learn on the job. Interns usually get smaller, well-defined tasks and a mentor to guide them.
What is an example of Intern?
As an intern, you might be asked to write tests for an existing module before you touch any new features.
Why does Intern matter for IT interns?
Nobody expects an intern to know everything. They do expect you to learn, ask questions and follow through on what you take on.
Explore more internship terms
The IT Internship Glossary explains 199 terms you will hear before and during your internship, with simple definitions and real examples.
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About the author
Dhaivat has 16+ years of experience in the IT industry, working on AI and cloud technologies, project delivery, and engineering leadership. He has interviewed and mentored many interns, wrote The Lost Intern, and runs the non-commercial Career Impact Initiative, mentoring students for free.