Internships vs part time professional jobs in Australia is one of those decisions that comes up when you want professional experience but need to balance it with study. Both can give you experience, but they work differently. I’ve done both, and I’ve watched friends do both. Some preferred internships. Others preferred part time jobs. The difference was understanding what each offers and what suits your situation.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve done internships and part time professional work, and I’ve learned what each involves and what they’re good for. Some experiences were valuable. Others less so. The difference was understanding what you’re getting.
So here’s everything I know about internships vs part time professional jobs in Australia, based on what actually happens.
What Internships Actually Are
Let me start with this, because understanding what they are helps you decide.
Internships are usually short term positions, often unpaid or low paid. They’re designed to give you experience and exposure to an industry.
They usually last a few months. Some are full time during breaks, others are part time during semester.
They often include training and mentorship. Companies invest in teaching you, which can be valuable.
But here’s what I’ve learned: internships vary. Some are excellent learning experiences. Others are less valuable. It depends on the company and role.
What Part Time Professional Jobs Are
This is the alternative, and here’s what they involve.
Part time professional jobs are paid positions that you do alongside study. They’re usually ongoing, not short term.
They pay regular wages. You earn money while gaining experience, which helps with living costs.
They’re usually less structured than internships. You might have less training and mentorship, but more real responsibility.
But here’s what I’ve learned: part time professional jobs are less common than internships. Many companies prefer full time employees or interns. But they exist, especially for students.
Pros and Cons: The Comparison
Let me compare both, because understanding trade offs helps you decide.
Internships pros: structured learning, mentorship, exposure to industry, and can lead to jobs.
Internships cons: often unpaid or low paid, short term, and less flexible.
Part time jobs pros: paid, ongoing, flexible around study, and real responsibility.
Part time jobs cons: less structured learning, less mentorship, and harder to find.
But here’s what I’ve learned: both have value, but they suit different situations. If you need money and can find part time work, that might be better. If you want structured learning and can afford unpaid work, internships might be better.
Which Should You Choose?
This is the key question, and here’s how to decide.
Choose internships if: you want structured learning, you can afford unpaid or low paid work, and you want exposure to a specific industry.
Choose part time jobs if: you need money, you want ongoing work, and you can handle less structure.
But here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t have to choose one. You can do internships during breaks and part time work during semester. Or do one first and the other later. There’s no rule that says you can only do one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are internships usually paid?
It varies. Some internships are paid, some are unpaid, some are low paid. Check what each internship offers before applying.
Can I do an internship while studying?
Sometimes yes. Some internships are part time and designed for students. Others are full time during breaks. Check what’s available.
Are part time professional jobs common?
Less common than internships. Many companies prefer full time employees or interns. But they exist, especially for students in certain fields.
Which looks better on a resume?
Both look good. Internships show you’ve had structured learning. Part time jobs show you can balance work and study. Both demonstrate experience.
Can internships lead to jobs?
Sometimes yes. Some companies hire interns after internships. Others don’t. It depends on the company and your performance.
Should I do both?
You can. There’s no rule against doing both. You might do internships during breaks and part time work during semester. Or do one first and the other later.
Final Thoughts
Internships vs part time professional jobs in Australia: both have value, but they suit different situations. Internships offer structured learning but are often unpaid. Part time jobs offer money and flexibility but are harder to find. Consider what you need and what’s available.
Don’t assume you have to choose one. You can do both, or do one first and the other later. Both provide experience, and both can help your career.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Both have value. Don’t assume one is always better than the other. Consider what you need, what’s available, and what suits your situation. Both can help your career.
If you’re still deciding, check out my guides on building local experience without a full time job and getting your first professional IT job. And when you’re choosing, consider what you need, what’s available, and what suits your situation. Both can provide valuable experience.
