Evaluating STEM/FBL APP Virtual Internship Scheme

Project leader(s): Diane ButlerAndrew PotterCatherine ComfortKristen Reid
Theme: Access, Participation and Success
Faculty: STEM
Status: Archived
Dates: April 2022 to December 2022

Winner of the 7th eSTEeM Scholarship Projects of the Year Award 2024.

This study at The Open University in the United Kingdom examined the effectiveness of specifying internship opportunities for underrepresented student groups in two faculties. Our data, gathered through intern focus groups and supervisor interviews, demonstrate that the virtual internship scheme has been successful from both intern and supervisor perspectives, providing flexible and supportive opportunities which help interns to develop transferable skills and confidence. The virtual internship approach therefore provides opportunities for large-scale distance learning institutions to routinely offer work experience to their students, supported by the further development of effective remote working practices. Unexpected benefits of this program emerged through the staff-student partnerships developed in university-based internships. Future research will focus on mechanisms to further improve and scale up the virtual internship program to enhance access for underrepresented students and to explore how virtuality contributes to new perspectives of employability.