International Journal of Business, Management and Commerce (IJBMC)

Internships are increasingly important in the world of business education. Colleges and employers seek a strong link in assuring students are properly prepared in the application of academic learning in a business setting. In addition, students, schools & employers benefit from the internship perspective derived from this transitional learning experience. 360 degree feedback from student intern field experience provides insight into the effectiveness of the internship experience in developing key business skills. Utilizing input from students, faculty, staff and employers, I compiled and analyzed certain data about internships at Florida Southern College (FSC) in the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise (BBSOBFE) over five academic years (2011 - 2015). Student scores on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), text analysis of survey responses by employers & students and qualitative data indicate internships positively impact student skill sets and self-confidence, thus, providing a bridge between education and a job setting.