Evaluate the Effectiveness of Internship Experience That Shapes Students’ Career

Background Internship experiences are crucial in shaping students’ career trajectories in Hospitality, Recreation Management, and Recreation Therapy. However, students frequently face barriers, and stakeholders such as faculty, site supervisor, and student involvement is key to success.Purpose This study evaluated the effectiveness of internship experiences in preparing students for professional roles in student success.Method A cross-sectional online survey, including demographic, Likert-scale, and open-ended items, was administered to students’ post-internship. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive statistics and regression; qualitative responses were thematically coded.Results Students rated their internship experiences highly. Satisfaction was most strongly linked to general competency and work support, while clarity of goals was particularly significant for recreation students. Common barriers included schedule conflicts, transportation, finances, and child care. Students emphasized the need for more paid internships and stronger support.Conclusion This is the first study to comprehensively compare these three majors within one department, highlighting critical factors for effective and equitable internship experiences.