EXAMINING THE EFFECT OF CHALLENGES ON STUDENTS’ INTERNSHIP SATISFACTION

Abstract

Internships serve as a critical bridge between academic education and professional development, providing students with opportunities to gain practical skills and workplace experience. This study aims to explore the challenges influencing internship satisfaction, focusing on key factors such as self-confidence, communication, health or physical requirements, problem-solving skills, supervision, working environment, and infrastructure adequacy. Using a causal research approach, data will be collected from 214 students at UiTM Kedah through structured questionnaires. This research highlights the importance of understanding how these challenges affect internship satisfaction and offers insights for improving internship programs. Practical implications include enhancing program structures, fostering mentorship opportunities, and addressing organizational challenges to ensure meaningful learning experiences. Recommendations for future research include expanding the scope to multiple institutions, employing longitudinal designs, and incorporating qualitative methods for deeper insights. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on internship satisfaction, aiming to align educational outcomes with industry expectations.