Evaluating Internships: Lessons Learned from Two Experiences
Date
2014-09-04
Authors
Tharamangalam, Michael M
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Abstract
This thesis is an evaluation of two internships undertaken by the author in Halifax, Canada and Beijing, China. It includes a portfolio of research prepared during the internships. The papers are critically reviewed, a skills assessment in conducted, and areas and themes beyond skills assessment are reflected upon. It is found that the internships have been very positive experiences which have contribute to the research methods, professional maturity, and skills development of the author. An area of improvement suggested by the author is for all stakeholders to structure a portfolio assessment prior to internship, to improve both the evaluation and the efficacy of the experience.
Description
This is a reflection on two internship experiences which includes both personal and analytical components. It draws on theories of education and the literature on integrated work based learning to gauge these internships. A portfolio of papers written during the internships was included and these papers were also analysed.
Keywords
internship, intercultural effectiveness, self-efficacy, economics, embassy, public policy, China