Abstract

AMO, Bjørn W.. Designing internships: Student demographics and student motivation. SAJESBM [online]. 2023, vol.15, n.1, pp.1-10. ISSN 2071-3185.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajesbm.v15i1.650.

BACKGROUND: Internships as a means for learning and job training are increasingly getting traction among universities and policymakers. Still, we do not know what motivates students to undertake such external experimental learning arrangements. AIM: This study reveals students' motivation for engaging in two different internships design. SETTING: We explore the motivation among Norwegian bachelor and master business students for engagement in internships locally and abroad. METHODS: This is a quantitative study where 244 students responded to our survey. The students themselves provided input on the survey topics. We applied t-tests, correlations, and regressions to analyse the data. RESULTS: Demographical variables as well as motivational factors influence the student's preferences regarding internships. CONCLUSION: The complexity and design inherent in the internship are accepted by the student depending on their family situation, their job experience and their learning expectations. CONTRIBUTION: Internships are not a one-size-fits-all. The students' family situation, their previous work experience and their academic achievements give hints to what the student looks for in an internship: a local internship offering future job opportunities or an international internship promising greater learning opportunities.

Keywords : internship; work practice; entrepreneurship; business student; motivation.

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