An Analysis of Effectiveness on the University’s Internship Programs in Indonesia: A Case Study at Selected Universities with International Curriculums

Abstract

In attempt to enhance education excellence, lots of universities incorporate internship programs. Though most universities in Indonesia has integrated internship programs, mainly into the curriculums, as a requirement toward graduation, the presence of such internship programs becomes more apparent in universities with international curriculums in Indonesia. These universities have certainly tried to fill the gap, which may have been left relatively unattended, particularly in the measurement of effectiveness on those internship programs.

Though internship programs may have sounded wonderful, nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether those internship programs are really beneficial for students in trying to enrich their practical understanding in the business world. Some measurements on effectiveness used in this study include; better understanding, chances to apply theories into practices, job/task rotation during internship period, availability of supervisors/coaches, participations in problem solving, participations in four management key roles at various managerial levels (planning, organizing, directing, and controlling process), as well as final evaluations from supervisors/coaches.

This research utilizes the perspective of intangible assets, particularly the role of human resources in organizations in trying to build up argument toward the level of effectiveness of internship programs at several universities with international curriculums in the city of Jakarta, Indonesia. This research also merely focuses on students’ responses based on their direct experience during the internship period. Primary data, mainly in the form of questionnaires, are used for the purpose of this study.

Keywords: internship, effectiveness, university, international curriculums, Indonesia

JEL Classification: a10, i20, j60, l10, l20, m10, m20, m40, 010, p10