Perceived Learning Effectiveness of Online and Traditional Internship of Bachelor of Public Administration Students

Abstract

Internships play a vital role in shaping students’ professional competence, providing them with real-world exposure, and enhancing the skills necessary for employment. They bridge the gap between theoretical learning in the classroom and its practical application in the workplace. Through internships, students develop discipline, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of the organizational environment—elements crucial for future employment. However, in the past three years, the global pandemic brought by COVID-19 drastically altered the landscape of higher education, including internship programs. Educational institutions, including Pangasinan State University (PSU), were forced to shift from traditional face-to-face learning environments to virtual modes of instruction and internship implementation.