Original Research Industrial and organisational psychology internship completion: Enabling and thwarting factors

Annelize van Niekerk, Rudolph M. Oosthuizen, Melinde Coetzee

About the author(s) Annelize van Niekerk, Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, College of Economic and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa
Rudolph M. Oosthuizen, Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, College of Economic and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Melinde Coetzee, Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, College of Economic and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: Completing an internship is a requirement for master’s students in Industrial and Organisational Psychology (IOP) to obtain professional registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Students seem to experience a diverse range of factors enabling and thwarting them in their quest to complete their internship and gain the prerequisite practical knowledge and skills.

Research purpose: This study explored IOP interns’ perceived experiences of the enabling factors and challenges encountered during the internship programme completion.

Motivation for the study: A better understanding of the lived experiences of IOP interns will assist organisations and supervising psychologists to create a supporting environment to optimise interns’ development.

Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was adopted and an open-ended question survey was conducted among (N = 17) IOP interns in South Africa. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Main findings: A lack of financial resources; programme approval, content and time; the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); and balancing work, dissertation completion and personal life impact IOP interns negatively. Solid support networks and the power within the self are enabling factors.

Practical/managerial implications: The findings of this study provide a better understanding of the factors impacting the successful completion of an internship programme and help role-players to gain insight into how this strenuous journey can be improved to create a thriving internship environment supportive of optimal learning and growth for interns.

Contribution/value-add: This research highlights the need to revise the internship programme process cycle, including its content, timeframes and reformulating the role of role-players and interns.

Keywords

industrial and organisational psychology interns; internship programme; thematic analysis; survey questionnaire; qualitative research.

JEL Codes

I25: Education and Economic Development

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 4: Quality education

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