STUDENT AND COMPANY REACTIONS TO A UNIVERSITY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: CONTENT ANALYSIS

Malcolm Coco
Ashley Truong
Abilene Christian University
Gundars Kaupins
Boise State University
ABSTRACT
This study adds empirical support to internship research by providing a content analysis
of student and business reactions to the business internship program at Abilene Christian
University in Abilene, Texas. The results of this study appeared highly related to anecdotal
accounts from the literature review. The most common cited advantages of the program across
disciplines concern meaningful work for students and knowledge application. The most common
disadvantages were the lack of communication in the company and lack of clear expectations.
The most common host company suggestions for student interns were to cultivate good
communication skills, punctuality, and time management. The most common student suggestions
for host companies were to communicate clear expectations and give the intern a variety of
experiences.