The Professional Within: Effect of WIL

Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, Vol 15(2), pp. 159-178, 2014

4 Pages Posted: 18 Sep 2014

See all articles by Kirsten MacDonald

Kirsten MacDonald

Griffith University

Craig Cameron

Griffith University

Mark Brimble

Griffith University - School of Accounting, Banking and Finance - Nathan and Logan Campuses; Centre for Financial Independence and Education

Brett Freudenberg

Griffith University - Griffith Business School; Griffith University - Griffith Law School

Dianne M. English

Griffith University

Date Written: September 16, 2014

Abstract

With a government agenda to increase university participation, and larger numbers of students being ‘first-in-family’ to attend university, students have a limited understanding and appreciation of their chosen profession. Adverse implications include reduced motivation towards study and non-appreciation of the required skills to succeed in the work force. Work integrated learning (WIL) can provide these career skills and understanding. This article analyses whether students undertaking an external off-campus internship in their 2nd and 3rd years of a business degree assists in ‘realizing the professional’ within. Building on prior research for 1st year students, the article examines the effects on students’ professional skills and professional identity of an off-campus internship while studying part-time. The results demonstrate the important role of WIL, with WIL students demonstrating greater improvement in professional skills and professional identity. Resources for WIL should be provided to conform to the government’s aspiration for greater university participation.

Keywords: Work-integrated learning, generic skills, career skills, professional identity, graduate attributes, work readiness

JEL Classification: I20, M40

Suggested Citation

MacDonald, Kirsten and Cameron, Craig and Brimble, Mark and Freudenberg, Brett and English, Dianne M., The Professional Within: Effect of WIL (September 16, 2014). Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, Vol 15(2), pp. 159-178, 2014, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2497268

Kirsten MacDonald

Griffith University ( email )

Brisbane, Queensland 4111
Australia

Craig Cameron

Griffith University ( email )

Brisbane, Queensland 4111
Australia
55587623 (Phone)

Mark Brimble

Griffith University - School of Accounting, Banking and Finance - Nathan and Logan Campuses ( email )

University Drive
Logan, Queensland 4131
Australia
(07) 373 55311 (Phone)

Centre for Financial Independence and Education ( email )

Brisbane, Queensland 4111
Australia

Brett Freudenberg (Contact Author)

Griffith University - Griffith Business School ( email )

Brisbane, Queensland 4111
Australia

Griffith University - Griffith Law School ( email )

Nathan Campus, GU
Nathan 4111
Australia

Dianne M. English

Griffith University ( email )

170 Kessels Road
Nathan Queesland 4111
Australia
61 7 373 54108 (Phone)

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