Integrative Liberal Learning: A Case for Internships and Other High Impact Practices as an Essential Component in Students Professional Preparation

Abstract

High impact practices that promote experiential learning and develop competencies to facilitate job readiness upon graduation have become essential to the student experience. From an integrative learning framework, this article examines four years of results from employer feedback evaluations for business interns enrolled in a Business Internship course. This cross-section of exit data illustrates three important factors: 1) the skills students apply and develop during internships, 2) the intern competencies desired and expected by employers, and 3) the level of success interns achieve when it comes to meeting employer demands and expectations in organizational roles. The article concludes with implications for business curriculum and career planning and preparation practices.