Enhancing Real-World Skills Through Internships

Abstract

Higher education aims to prepare individuals for real-world challenges by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for employment. However, higher education institutions face significant challenges in aligning with global standards while addressing local needs and socio-economic crises. A holistic learning experience, characterised by experiential learning opportunities such as internships, is crucial for this preparation. This chapter explores the experiences of students, employers, and teachers with internships as a means of developing real-world skills. Using a qualitative approach, the study sampled 10 students, five teachers, and employers from five departments (education, business, computer science, engineering, and medicine). The findings highlight the role of internships in fostering professional success. Internships enhance skill proficiency, assist students in making informed career decisions, and provide practical learning experiences that are often unavailable in traditional classroom settings.