Internship Experiences in Relation to Employment Preparedness and Skills Development among Business Administration Graduates

In today’s competitive job market, higher education institutions face increasing pressure to equip graduates with the skills and competencies needed for successful employment. This study explores the relationship between internship experiences and the employment preparedness and skills development of Business Administration graduates in the Philippines. Grounded in Experiential Learning Theory, Human Capital Theory, and Social Cognitive Theory, the research aims to determine how internship quality, relevance, and perceived value impact graduates’ job readiness, professional awareness, and adaptability. The study involved graduates from various private and public higher education institutions in the Philippines. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational design, the study surveyed 120 BSBA graduates through researcher- made questionnaires. Findings revealed that internship experiences were perceived to be of very high quality and significantly influenced job readiness and professional awareness, but had no significant relationship with the application of theoretical knowledge, adaptability, or employability. While internships were effective in enhancing workplace readiness, they alone were insufficient for comprehensive skills development. The study recommends enhancing internship structures, integrating reflective learning, and supplementing practical experiences with targeted training to ensure graduates are better equipped for dynamic work environments. It is recommended that academic institutions strengthen partnership with industry stakeholders to co-design internship programs that are both skill-enriching and career-aligned.