UiTM Students’ Perceptions of Internship Program: Oral Communication Skill at Workplace during COVID-19 Pandemic

Following years of study at university, students in their final year embark on an internship program to gain experience and to apply their knowledge and skills. When COVID-19 first struck, it changed the education landscape, including the implementation of the internship program. Some students did their internships from home while others participated in hybrid internships which might have impacted their oral communication skills. Therefore, this study aims to determine the student’s perceptions of oral communication skills during the internship programs and identify the various oral communication skills required at the workplace during COVID-19. The study employed a mixed-method approach, incorporating both interviews and surveys in collecting the data. The results of this study reveal that students perceived effective oral communication with colleagues as crucial, as poor communication not only affects interactions but also impedes productivity in the workplace. Additionally, interns were anticipated to proficiently engage in numerous professional interactions with colleagues, superiors, and clients, demonstrating practiced and essential oral communication skills in the workplace. Hence, universities should provide courses or activities aimed at fostering skills pertinent to work settings and preparing students for internship programs. The study provides valuable insights into students' perceptions of oral communication skills needed during an internship program and the essential communication skills sought by employers for internship programs.