The contribution of professional internships to the academic development of engineering and science students: a case study

Abstract

Introduction: Professional internships are widely recognized as a mechanism to bridge the gap between academic training and labor-market demands in science and engineering. However, few studies have comprehensively evaluated students’ perceptions of how internships contribute to their technical and soft-skill development. This study examines the formative impact of the CUCEI (University Center for Exact Sciences and Engineering) internship program at the University of Guadalajara from the students’ perspective. Methods: A 28-item Likert-type questionnaire covering four dimensions—Overall Satisfaction, Practical Experience, Technical Skills, and Soft Skills—was developed and validated. It was administered online to 589 undergraduate interns (60.4% male; 39.6% female). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha (α), and construct validity was examined through exploratory factor analysis; both assessments yielded satisfactory results. Results: Students reported high levels of satisfaction, and substantial development of practical experience (85–92% agreement). Practice of specific technical skills was more variable (66-79% “Quite a lot/A lot”), while soft-skill development—especially teamwork, adaptability, and feedback reception—was rated positively (88–90%). Additionally, 37.7% extended their internships, and 45% indicated likelihood of continued employment with their host company. Discussion: Findings confirm that structured internships at CUCEI effectively support student satisfaction and the practical application of academic knowledge, while fostering both technical and interpersonal competencies. Variability in technical-skill opportunities and limited language practice highlight areas for program enhancement. Student feedback underscores the need for deeper industry collaboration and curriculum updates to reinforce hands-on training and global employability.