Virtual internship program in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from business administration student interns and industry partners

Paper ID: Abstract-IEESCon-2023-018

Abstract

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual internships have gained traction globally as a better alternative for many higher education institutions. This study aimed to explore the experiences and insights of the business administration student interns and industry partners on implementing a virtual internship program in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The phenomenological approach was used as a qualitative research design. Six business administration student interns were involved in in-depth interviews, three industry partners, and three school administrators during focus group discussion. The study's findings show the pros and cons experienced by the business administration student interns during the virtual internship program with the following themes: acquired skills and competencies, financial advantages, stress and disappointment, limited 'in-person' experience, disconnection, and adjustment issues. It was also revealed how the business administration student interns coped with the challenges of the virtual internship program with the following themes: positive attitude, motivation, time management, support, and setting up technology. The business administration student interns and industry partners shared their insights to improve the implementation of the virtual internship program with the following themes: optimism, online student engagement, blended internship, use of video simulation, learning support, technology support, free from distraction, student orientation, and student's attitude. The findings will provide information to the incoming business administration student interns and the school that currently has a virtual internship program, which could help them improve the implementation of the said program.