EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF INTERNSHIPS ON CAREER PREPAREDNESS AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

Abstract

Internships play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice, equipping students with essential skills for successful career transitions. This research evaluates the impact of internships on career preparedness and employability skills, focusing on their ability to enhance students' readiness for the workforce. The study examines the specific competencies and professional attributes students develop through these experiential learning opportunities, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It also explores the challenges and barriers students face in accessing and completing internships, including financial constraints, lack of guidance, and limited availability of quality placements.

Using a mixed-methods approach, this research gathers data from students, to assess the effectiveness of internships in preparing students for real-world demands. The findings aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role internships play in career development and highlight areas for improvement. Based on these insights, the study proposes actionable strategies for designing and implementing internships that maximize their benefits for students and align with industry requirements. This research underscores the importance of internships in fostering employability and provides recommendations for stakeholders to enhance the internship experience for future professionals