Internships and experiential learning programs aren’t long enough for students, according to new research from the University of Houston.
“There is a gap between the expectation and the reality of the students’ experiential learning opportunities, like internships,” David Walsh, clinical assistant professor in the University of Houston department of health and human performance, told writer Marisa Ramirez. “We have to ask if we are failing to prepare and support them when the newness of the experience wears off.”
Walsh studies human development and is conducting a longitudinal study of students participating in a four semester program called “The Super Four Experience,” which includes working with staff from the Hoston Super Bowl and the Final Four host committees in event planning, event management, sports marketing, project management, facility management, and guest services.
“The Super Four Experience requires four semesters to complete, but traditional internships require about 300 hours in only one semester. If an internship ends on a low, the learning opportunity is lost,” Walsh said. “One semester may not allow the full experience of the internship to play out, denying students valuable time to work through the challenges.”
Please read Ramirez’s article for more about Walsh’s study.
(Image: University of Houston)
