A win-win approach to promoting cooperation between business organisations and business education: the role of internships

Abstract

Utilizing internship evaluation forms of students from different majors, who were attending two universities in USA, and Portugal, this research sought to assess relevant abilities, skills, and attitudes impacting the job performance of these students during their internships. Based on the evaluations analysed, it appears that executives of business organizations tended to value other non-technical aspects of performance, rather than merely the technical aspects. The implications and recommendations of this research to business education, and the business community are presented in the form of two conceptual frameworks. The frameworks are designed to promote win-win relationships, which enhance the employability of business graduates. The proposed frameworks stress the consistency, and the systematic approach to the business-like educational model.