Success of Internship: Interns’ ‘fitting-in’ Strategy and Organizational Orientation Activities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 11:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable Session 4: Student Learning and Development in College and Beyond

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of individual and organizational factors of socialization on students during internships. Longitudinal data were collected at four points in time from 12 undergraduate students and their supervisors. All participants worked in a business company or Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) for 200 hours. The results suggest participants are satisfied with their job performance during their internship experience. Linear regression analyses indicate high openness to experience and information related to goals and social networks are key individual factors that affect interns’ socialization. In terms of organizational factors, the design of the orientation program, individual team climate, and supportive supervisors are positively related to interns’ performance and satisfaction.

Authors

• Yin Yue Lam, The Education University of Hong Kong

• Jiafang Lu, The Education University of Hong Kong

• Jianjing Tang, The Education University of Hong Kong