The Perceived Soft Skills of Teacher-Candidate Students in the Mismatch Internship Programme (A Case Study)
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| Title: | The Perceived Soft Skills of Teacher-Candidate Students in the Mismatch Internship Programme (A Case Study) |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Marselus Ruben Payong (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. 2026 18(5):1309-1325. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 17 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Preservice Teachers, Soft Skills, Internship Programs, Employment Potential, Foreign Countries, Skill Development |
| Geographic Terms: | Indonesia |
| DOI: | 10.1108/JARHE-09-2024-0517 |
| ISSN: | 2050-7003 1758-1184 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study explores the soft skills learnt during internship programmes in small enterprises and their impact on student employability. Compared to typical internships, this type of internship is not aligned with the student's areas of expertise. This study examines whether the nonlinear apprenticeship programme (mismatch internship) contributes to the development of student's soft skills. Design/methodology/approach: The subjects were 47 intern students from the Mathematics Education Study Program at the Indonesian Catholic University of Santu Paulus Ruteng who participated in the 2022 Independent Campus Competition Program (Program Kompetisi Kampus Merdeka -- PKKM) and their mentors from SMBs. The mixed-methods study used questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and documentation. Findings: Several soft skills were developed during the students' participation in this programme, including creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving, communication, collaboration, accuracy, leadership, responsibility, adversity, curiosity, discipline and adaptation and self-management, which are needed during times of employment uncertainty. Research limitations/implications: First, this study has not specifically analysed the influence of attribute variables such as gender, learning motivation and work motivation or attitudes towards pre-employment work. Second, no study has examined this internship's effect on company performance. Some small and medium enterprises are start-up businesses; therefore, the risk of business failure overshadows stringent work demands on employees. Practical implications: First, students should be challenged during learning with constructivist and project-based learning approaches. Second, campus partnerships with industrial business fields are essential. Originality/value: This study is useful for developing a higher education curriculum that is more adaptive and supports independent learning. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1507731 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study explores the soft skills learnt during internship programmes in small enterprises and their impact on student employability. Compared to typical internships, this type of internship is not aligned with the student's areas of expertise. This study examines whether the nonlinear apprenticeship programme (mismatch internship) contributes to the development of student's soft skills. Design/methodology/approach: The subjects were 47 intern students from the Mathematics Education Study Program at the Indonesian Catholic University of Santu Paulus Ruteng who participated in the 2022 Independent Campus Competition Program (Program Kompetisi Kampus Merdeka -- PKKM) and their mentors from SMBs. The mixed-methods study used questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and documentation. Findings: Several soft skills were developed during the students' participation in this programme, including creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving, communication, collaboration, accuracy, leadership, responsibility, adversity, curiosity, discipline and adaptation and self-management, which are needed during times of employment uncertainty. Research limitations/implications: First, this study has not specifically analysed the influence of attribute variables such as gender, learning motivation and work motivation or attitudes towards pre-employment work. Second, no study has examined this internship's effect on company performance. Some small and medium enterprises are start-up businesses; therefore, the risk of business failure overshadows stringent work demands on employees. Practical implications: First, students should be challenged during learning with constructivist and project-based learning approaches. Second, campus partnerships with industrial business fields are essential. Originality/value: This study is useful for developing a higher education curriculum that is more adaptive and supports independent learning. |
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| ISSN: | 2050-7003 1758-1184 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/JARHE-09-2024-0517 |
