Working Student Position or Internship - Which Path Is Better?
- 06.07.2026
- General
Alongside her studies in Marketing & Communication Management, Michelle worked as a working student, already taking on operational responsibilities typically associated with a permanent team position while actively contributing her own ideas.
What does it feel like to enter the professional world while still in college? Michelle, a working student, and Laura, an intern, share insights from their day-to-day work in marketing and show how hands-on experience can take different forms - from learning to actively contributing.
For many students, the transition into the professional world begins while they are still in college. Especially in the field of Marketing & Communication Management, internships and working student positions are among the most popular ways to gain initial practical experience. Although both models pursue similar goals, they differ in how they are structured. Based on the experiences of Michelle, a working student, and Laura, an intern, it becomes clear where the key differences lie - and which type of position may offer the right added value depending on a student’s goals
A high degree of personal responsibility, along with regular coordination with the team and supervisors, is crucial for successful integration into everyday work.
Laura
Student
Learning vs. Contributing - Two Models Compared
One major difference lies in the balance between learning and active involvement. While internships are often more strongly focused on building knowledge, working student positions tend to place greater emphasis on productive, hands-on work.
Laura, who is completing an internship in marketing, reports gaining broad insight into various disciplines. She was able to build valuable experience, particularly in social media and performance marketing. Among other things, she also gained insight into the SEO optimization of the company website through the implementation of blog articles. However, the main focus was clearly on learning: company structures, processes, and business-related interrelationships were at the center of her experience. This learning process was actively supported through close supervision, including guidance from a direct supervisor. At the same time, she was able to take on her own tasks and contribute regularly to projects, though usually within a clearly structured framework.
In contrast, Michelle describes her day-to-day work as a working student as being much more closely integrated into operational processes. In addition to creating content, handling email communication, and capturing leads, she is primarily involved in long-term projects. As a result, she develops a deeper understanding of workflows and can actively help shape processes. This not only leads to greater responsibility, but also creates the feeling of making a lasting contribution to the company.
Responsibility, Integration, and Future Prospects - Where Is the Added Value?
There are also noticeable differences when it comes to responsibility, integration, and future prospects. In many cases, working students take on more personal responsibility and are more deeply integrated into the company. Laura also points this out: “A high degree of personal responsibility, along with regular coordination with the team and supervisors, is crucial for successful integration into everyday work.”
Laura works as an intern while pursuing her studies, gaining valuable expertise in a variety of areas.
Michelle likewise emphasizes that she handles tasks independently and works in regular coordination with her team. Thanks to a structured onboarding process, team events, and an open company culture, she quickly felt like a fully integrated member of the team.
In addition, she is able to contribute and implement her own ideas. Another advantage is the high level of flexibility: her working hours can be adjusted well to fit her academic schedule, which is especially important during exam periods. At the same time, her role at the company opens up prospects for possible full-time employment later on.
Laura, on the other hand, is also well integrated into the team during her internship, but in her case the focus is more strongly placed on guidance and support. The close collaboration with supervisors enables an intensive learning process and rapid professional development. Her internship primarily provides orientation and helps her get to know different areas while sharpening her own interests. However, the position is usually limited in duration and offers less flexibility.
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear that both models offer valuable experience, though with different priorities. An internship is particularly well suited for students who are still exploring their options and want insight into different areas. A working student position, on the other hand, often offers greater added value for those who have already found a direction, want to take on responsibility, and aim to develop within a company over the long term.