Project Description
Transforming Internship Support: Creating Clarity for Workplace Managers and Students
Project Lead
Dr Anna Dynan (anna.dynan@mtu.ie)
Project Status
- In Progress
Project Lead Home Department
- MTU Cork – Accounting & Info Systems
Alignment to HEA and NFETLHE SATLE 2023-24 Themes
- Best Practice in Upholding and Cultivating Academic Integrity
Alignment to MTU Strategy Themes
- Learner Education & Experience
- People & Community
Project Description
This project aims to improve communication between workplace managers, students, and the university regarding BIS internship expectations and responsibilities. By analysing past survey data and conducting workshops, it seeks to identify and address misalignments to ensure fair, consistent internship experiences. The project will develop practical guidance and video resources to support workplace managers, many new to this role, in assessment and student support, reducing their administrative burden and enhancing internship quality for all students starting placements in 2026.
What is the anticipated impact of this project?
This project will create clear support resources, including documentation and a professional video, to improve communication and clarify expectations among workplace managers, students, and academic supervisors in the BIS internship program. It will benefit 60-80 students annually by providing a more consistent internship experience, assist 40-50 workplace managers in understanding their roles, and help academic supervisors ensure fair assessments. Overall, the project will enhance MTU’s industry partnerships, improve experiential learning quality, and promote academic integrity.
HOW Will the outputs of this project be DISSEMINATED?
Project outputs include comprehensive guidance documentation for workplace managers outlining roles and assessment criteria; a professional video clarifying expectations for managers, students, and supervisors; a gap analysis report identifying challenges and best practices; and student support tools like skills action plans and reflective guides. These resources will be widely disseminated through MTU’s Learning Community of Work-Based Managers, the INGENIUM community, conferences, and professional networks to promote continuous improvement and best practices in work-integrated learning.
Team Members
- Dr Anna Dynan, MTU Cork – Accounting & Info Systems
- Joanne Cole, MTU Cork – Accounting & Info Systems
- Catherine Murphy, MTU Cork – Accounting & Info Systems, and Teaching & Learning Unit
- Students, MTU Cork Campuses
