Evaluating Barriers in Student Internship Success
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Isabel DeSanno
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Forensic Psychology
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Paul Casey
Abstract:
Colleges classify internships as foundational in preparing students for future career paths and opportunities after graduation. Interns refer to students or trainees who work in an organization, sometimes without pay, to gain work experience or satisfy requirements for a qualification. In many cases, students complete internships as an unspoken criterion or requirement of being qualified to work in a specific field after graduation. Internships teach many skills that are only learned in out-of-classroom settings. Like countless other career centers at universities around the United States, Kean University's Office of Career Services stresses the importance of students completing internships to increase marketability, workplace relationships, career direction, and overall career readiness. In recent years, numbers would suggest many Kean students are not participating in out-of-classroom internships and other experiential learning opportunities. In an effort to continue to serve the student population, Career Services is working towards breaking barriers students may face when finding and completing internships. The present study utilizes data gathered from Kean University students and recent alumni to determine specific obstacles keeping these individuals from completing internships. Results from this study will be used to further develop Career Services’ reach to Kean students.