Volume 3 Issue 2 | 2026 | View PDF
Paper Id: IJMSM-V3I2P131
doi: 10.64137/30485037/V3I2P131
Effect of Internship Experience on Career Readiness of Students
K. Jawaharishi, Dr. S. N. Kanagarathinam
Citation:
K. Jawaharishi, Dr. S. N. Kanagarathinam, "Effect of Internship Experience on Career Readiness of Students" International Journal of Multidisciplinary on Science and Management, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 248-253, 2026.
Abstract:
Internship experience has become an essential component of higher education as it helps students bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. The present study examines the effect of internship experience on the career readiness of students in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, particularly in Chennai, Trichy, Puducherry, and Karaikal. The study focuses on understanding how internship exposure influences professional knowledge, communication skills, teamwork abilities, workplace adaptability, confidence, and employability among students. The research adopted a descriptive research methodology, and primary data were collected from 150 students through a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. Statistical tools such as percentage analysis, correlation analysis, chi-square test, and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that internship experiences positively contribute to students’ professional growth and improve their readiness to enter the job market. Most respondents agreed that internships enhanced their communication skills, self-confidence, practical knowledge, and understanding of workplace expectations. The study also identified a positive relationship between internship exposure and employability skills, while regression analysis showed that communication skills gained through internships significantly influence students’ confidence in attending job interviews. The study concludes that structured internship programs play a vital role in improving career readiness and preparing students for professional employment.
Keywords:
Career Readiness, Communication Skills, Employability, Internship Experience, Professional Development, Skill Enhancement, Students, Workplace Adaptability.
References:
1. Diane Mulcahy, “The Gig Economy: The Complete Guide to Getting Better Work, Taking More Time Off, and Financing the Life You Want,” AMACOM, New York, 2016.
2. Jeremias Prassl, “Humans as a Service: The Promise and Perils of Work in the Gig Economy,” Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2018.
3. Malcolm Coco, “Internships: A Try Before You Buy Arrangement,” S.A.M. Advanced Management Journal, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 41-47, 2000.
4. Jack Gault, Evan Leach, and Marc Duey, “Effects of Business Internships on Job Marketability,” Proceedings of the International Academy for Case Studies, vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 36-40, 2010.
5. V. K. Narayanan, Paul M. Olk and Cynthia V. Fukami, “Determinants of Internship Effectiveness: An Exploratory Model,” Journal of Education for Business, vol. 85, no. 1, pp. 61–67, 2010.
6. National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2026 Internship & Co-op Report + Dashboard, 2026. [Online]. Available:https://www.naceweb.org/research/reports/2026/2026-nace-internship-and-co-op-report-and-dashboard/
7. University Grants Commission, Internship Guidelines for Higher Education Students, New Delhi, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/0063650_Draft-Guidelines-for-Internship-and-Research-Internship-for-Under-Graduate-Students.pdf
8. V.S.P. Rao, “Human Resource Management: Text and Cases, Excel Books,” New Delhi, 2017.
9. S.P. Robbins, and T.A. Judge, “Organizational Behavior,” Pearson Education, New Delhi, 2018.
10. R. Kumar, “Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners,” Sage Publications, New Delhi, 2019.