Understanding Student Expectations for Internships: Conversations with Students

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Elizabeth Adams, Grace Arrison, Kylie Parrotta and Stacy Kolegraff

Abstract

University students studying construction management participate in internships to gain practical experience, enhance their classroom knowledge, improve their communication skills, and get a glimpse of the industry’s work environment and culture. This study aimed to understand students’ internship experiences through a student-led, closed-door, moderated discussion with approximately 40 participants. This format encouraged participants to share their experiences openly and suggest ways to improve internship programs. During the session, participants responded to guided questions using sticky notes, collaborated in small groups, and then shared their answers with the larger group for additional discussion. The written notes were collected, transcribed, and analyzed, revealing themes related to the different interaction timelines companies have with students, from initial recruitment to the completion of the internship. Findings indicate that students desire diverse recruiters in the positions they will be hired for, improved communication prior to the internship, challenging work, greater exposure to the industry through a structured internship program, and regular feedback, including an exit interview. This study can serve as a resource for industry professionals to develop stronger internship programs, for faculty members to create classroom content that addresses industry culture, and for students preparing for internships to advocate for clear communication and feedback.

Keyphrases: anticipatory socialization, construction management, curriculum assessment, internship programs, professional development

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 930-939.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/TZj1z
	https://doi.org/10.29007/fgzh

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Understanding_Student_Expectations_Internships,
  author    = {Elizabeth Adams and Grace Arrison and Kylie Parrotta and Stacy Kolegraff},
  title     = {Understanding Student Expectations for Internships: Conversations with Students},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/TZj1z},
  doi       = {10.29007/fgzh},
  pages     = {930-939},
  year      = {2026}}

Download PDF Open PDF in browser