The Criminology Internship Program Of OLPC: Its Impact On The Graduates’ Personal And Professional Development

This study investigates the impact of the Criminology Internship Program on the personal and professional development of Bachelor of Science in Criminology graduates from two campuses of OLPC. It explores respondents' demographic profiles and assesses the structure and implementation of the internship program, including objectives, deployment, responsibilities, and post-internship requirements. The research evaluates interns’ performance as perceived by industry supervisors and examines variations in performance and perception based on age, gender, civil status, and school affiliation. Findings reveal that interns consistently received "Outstanding" ratings from supervisors, indicating strong preparation across demographics. However, differences in perception and experience were evident: older, male, and married interns generally exhibited greater responsibility and stronger professional relationships. Additionally, OLPC-SMI students reported more robust internship experiences than their OLPC-C counterparts. The program significantly contributed to both personal development—enhancing core values, attitudes, interpersonal skills, and civic awareness—and professional growth, particularly in administrative and field operational skills. However, gaps remain in technical and employability skills development. The study concludes that while the internship program is highly effective in preparing students for criminology careers, targeted interventions and a standardized policy are recommended to address demographic disparities and strengthen overall program delivery. Recommendations include institutional collaboration with industries, curriculum updates based on internship feedback, and the implementation of uniform internship policies across campuses. These findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to optimize internship programs and enhance the readiness of criminology graduates for real-world challenges.