Designing for Success: An Examination of Microelectronics Engineering Student Internship Experiences
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| Title: | Designing for Success: An Examination of Microelectronics Engineering Student Internship Experiences |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Jennifer S. Linvill, Eric Holloway, Emeline Ojeda-Hecht, Kerrie A. Douglas, Peter Bermel, Rebecca N. Semrau |
| Source: | International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning. 2026 27(1):251-271. |
| Availability: | New Zealand Association for Cooperative Education. University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. Tel: +64-7-838-4892; e-mail: editor@ijwil.org; Web site: https://www.ijwil.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 21 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Electronics, Internship Programs, Engineering Education, Student Experience, Student Development, Professional Development, Sense of Belonging, Work Based Learning, Student Attitudes, Student Satisfaction, College Students, Career Choice |
| Abstract: | Although internships are widely studied work-integrated learning (WIL) practices, microelectronics and defenserelated engineering internships remain underexplored. This qualitative study examines how students' experiences in internships shape their professional and subjective development. Guided by existing scholarship, including the students' reflections of quality (RoQ) framework, the central research question--"What is the nature of students' relationship to their internship experience within WIL programs?"--is examined. The study also explores belonging, job pursuit intentions, developmental value, and satisfaction. Thirty-one participants from thirty-one institutions shared rich descriptions of their internship experiences that were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings show that internships fostered skill development and, when aligned with students' goals, positively influenced satisfaction and career clarity. Mentorship and organizational support were key to shaping belonging and intention to remain in the field. Results suggest that well-designed internships, co-created by students and employers, can bridge the gap between education and employment while cultivating developmental value. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506576 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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