The The Internship Efficiency of Public Administration Students, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, identify problems and obstacles, and develop the professional internship efficiency of Public Administration students at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University. The study employed a mixed-methods approach consisting of (1) quantitative research: the population comprised 58 administrators, heads of department, or supervisors and the data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed using percentages, means, and standard deviations; and (2) qualitative research: the key informants were purposively sampled and included five administrators/supervisors and five students undergoing professional internships, the data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis.

The results indicated that overall professional internship effectiveness across five aspects was rated at the highest level (X̄ = 4.51). By aspect, the morality and ethics was the highest score (X̄ = = 4.72); secondly was relational skills and responsibility (X̄ = 4.64), intellectual skills (X̄ = 4.43); knowledge (X̄ = 4.41), and numerical analysis, communication, and technology skills (X̄ = 4.36). Regarding problems and obstacles, the major issues were limited knowledge and skills in document management and electronic document systems, weaknesses in drafting official letters, and insufficient proficiency in Microsoft Excel. The results also indicated student strengths in diligence and willingness to learn, discipline and punctuality, responsibility, willingness to make sacrifices, and readiness to assist colleagues. Recommended improvements for future professional internships included training in document management and electronic document systems, official letter drafting, Microsoft Excel proficiency, systematic analytical thinking, social adaptability, assertiveness, and leadership. A key recommendation to organize preparatory activities or courses for professional internships for the students revealed that it should be delivered both on-site and online (e.g., MOOCs) to expand learning channels.