Abstract
Purpose: This phenomenological qualitative study explored the perceptions and lived experiences of college graduates who participated in an engineering internship program sponsored by California State University, Long Beach to determine what role, if any, the internship played in the ability of the graduates to find employment. Examining the effectiveness of internship programs using qualitative approaches can help universities to better understand how to develop programs that will truly advance and prepare students to be employable upon graduation. Methodology: This qualitative study used phenomenological inquiry through field notes and in-depth interviews to discover the essence of the lived experiences of college graduates who participated in an internship program. The researcher selected this sample population from a university ranked in the top 100 according to U.S. News and World Report (2017). Data was collected through in-person interviews and field notes. The researcher used the phenomenological explicitation process to analyze the data. Findings: The participants revealed that exposure and experience prepared them for the requirements and expectations of their employers. The participants felt their internships could have better prepared them for their current employment position by exposing them to more diverse opportunities within the companies and in the field of engineering. In addition, the participants felt that the internship could have been more focused on training and skill development. Conclusions: The results show that internships do aid in skill development and employability. However, not all internships are created equal. The internship experience varied from one participant to another, revealing a lack of consistency and focus in internship programs in general. Students were ill equipped to identify good internship opportunities that would aid them in developing critical skills and increase their likelihood of being hired. Recommendations: Universities should develop and incorporate curriculum concerning the selection of internships. In addition, internship programs should incorporate elements of skill-set development and measurable competencies within their programs.