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In The Eye of the Beholder: The Relationship between Intern Effectiveness, Satisfaction, and Job Characteristics

Barry A. Friedman and Paul A. Roodin

The BRC Academy Journal of Education

Volume 3

Number 1

Print ISSN: 2152-8756 Online ISSN: 2152-8780

Date: March 15, 2013

First Page 1

Last Page 16

Abstract

Faculty and site supervisors hope that the internships they provide to undergraduate students afford a valuable learning experience that bridge the gap between classroom learning and application. However, little empirical research has measured the components of an effective internship experience. In this study, the authors examined the relationship between internship job characteristics and interns’ performance and satisfaction from two perspectives: the site supervisor and the intern. At the conclusion of their internship, 159 student interns and their site supervisors completed an adaptation of the Job Diagnostic Survey, and supervisors rated intern performance. The results suggest that job characteristics are in the eye of the beholder; that is, supervisors and interns viewed the intern’s work differently.

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