CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the study's methodology and encompasses various aspects ; Background
of the study, Problem statement of the study, General objective / Aim / Purpose of the study,
Specific objectives of the study, Research questions, Scope of the study, Significance
/Importance/justification of this study, Operational definitions of the study and Conceptual frame
work of the study.

1.1 Background of study

The emergence of artificial intelligence in work settings and fierce competition within a
worldwide workforce has sparked worries about the future of work and the ability of
undergraduate academic programs adequately equip students for the changing job landscape. The
research examines how internships affect the employability opportunities of recent graduates
(Kapareliotis et al., 2019).

Making the shift from being a student to a professional in life can be challenging at times. When
students enter the professional world, they have to face numerous challenges. In order to succeed
in their careers, they need to apply their theoretical knowledge to the contemporary workplace.
Integrating conceptual knowledge and training through academic internship programs can assist
students in applying their concepts more effectively in the industry. Academic internships bridge
the gap between theory and practice as students engage in supervised and scheduled work.
Internships assist students in enhancing not just their personal skills, but also their professional
development and experience. Internship programs are growing in importance for schools,
students, and companies' hiring teams. Internship programs offer academic institutions the
chance to boost student numbers and enhance their course offerings. Internships provide students
with the opportunity to acquire real-world work experience. Internships are beneficial to
companies because they attract skilled and knowledgeable graduates who are highly valued as
employees (Febriana Sulistya Pratiwi., 2022).
In order to be competitive for employment, the majority of students must acquire work-related
experience in their chosen industry. Because most traditional college students have little to no
work experience, employers frequently look for students who have completed internships. As a
result, there has been an increase the amount of students looking for internships in order to
enhance their employability. Internships offer significant potential in preparing students for their
careers through work-based learning and socialization. Many students believe they gain more
knowledge from hands-on experiences compared to traditional classroom learning, and those
who come back to school after internships tend to excel academically. However, not every intern
has experiences that encourage learning or lead to positive results (Zehr & Korte, 2020).

Globally, Internship is an essential component of the curriculum, providing students with

practical experience in training establishments and enhancing their formal education. Internship
experiences connect academic learning with real-world practice, aiding in applying university
knowledge in a professional environment. The internship also enhances opportunities for
securing employment and adjusting to the job market. Many studies have explored the valuable
advantages that internships bring to educational institutions, such as fulfilling an essential
requirement for hands-on learning experiences and career preparation, boosting the excellence of
their programs, and increasing their reputation and prominence (Nicolas et al., 2022). All parties
involved in the educational process agree on the significance of internship programs that aid in
the transition from school (university) to professional life (Students, Universities, Companies,
Public Institutions etc.). Nevertheless, despite universities emphasizing the importance of
internships, they typically offer minimal institutional assistance unless financial benefits are
involved. It can be argue that private and public institutions are more involved as internship
providers, with a focus on quality of internships as a corporate social responsibility policy.
Internships present genuine professional challenges for students. In addition to the valuable work
experience they acquire, interns also mention significant learning results in personal and
interpersonal abilities. All those participating in the academic education system, including
students, universities, organizations, and state institutions, are invested in fostering students'
skills to improve their chances of securing employment in a competitive job market and easing
the transition from school to career (Goia Agoston et al., 2017).
Numerous researches emphasize the advantages of internships in enhancing relational, technical
skills, and forming realistic expectations for students as they enter the workforce. Furthermore,
students who finish internships indicate receiving higher salaries and experiencing increased job
satisfaction. Internships also enhance workplace adaptability, teamwork skills, professionalism,
computer communication abilities, and career prospects. Moreover, the initial approach to the
job market could lead to potential permanent employment opportunities for students within the
company where they completed their internship (Di Meglio et al., 2022).

Regionally, an internship is a paraprofessional job experience designed to offer graduates from

different fields the chance to acquire work experience and exposure in the workplace. This
initiative offers South African graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience by working
on assigned tasks daily, emphasizing that internships can be paid or unpaid, and serve as a way
to apply classroom learning to real-world situations for skills development. Internships allow
students to acquire practical experience and network in specific career fields, while also
providing employers with the chance to mentor and assess potential talent. Hence, the goal of the
program is to enhance the connection between theory and practice. The act of equipping
graduates from different higher education institutions with skills that will make them more
competitive in the job market referred to as skill development (International Labour
Organization, 2010). Still, every individual who has completed their studies requires the chance
to put into practice the knowledge acquired in the educational setting in real-life situations. Many
public institutions in South Africa have introduced internship programs as part of their efforts to
improve skills development. The amount of internships available in efforts to enhance skills has
drastically increased. This is due to its adoption by private companies also. Internships, as
described by Hanson (1984), serve as instruments, methods, or stages for recent graduates to
ascertain their long-term career aspirations. Meanwhile, Basow and Bryne (1993) state that
graduates utilize internships to put into practice their knowledge gained from different higher
education institutions (Anjum, 2020).

Internship or placement programs give students the opportunity to merge theory and practice in a
field, utilize theoretical ideas in a work setting, and gain new insights from hands-on experience.
Interns get administrative tasks like creating formal reports while participating in the internship
program. According to a study in South Africa on employability and higher education, the
internship programme is widely embraced by public institutions. The findings show that while
employers and recent graduates acknowledge the significant personal growth and workplace
skills gained during undergraduate studies, they believe that a degree alone does not adequately
prepare students for the workforce (Mabeba, 2019). Internship programs recognized for
combining theoretical education with hands-on experience, enabling graduates to enhance both
their professional knowledge and skills. Therefore, having an internship is crucial for students to
acquire self-awareness, a positive mindset, and build social connections and practical abilities.
Internships help students gain the skills needed for future success in the professional world
(Donkoh et al., 2015).

Locally, within our country Somalia, it is crucial to recognize that this specific research area has
not yet explored. As a result, there is a significant geographical gap in our comprehension, so we
are planning to investigate the role of student internships on employment opportunities in
Mogadishu, Somalia.

Internships play a crucial role in aiding a seamless transition from being a "student" to becoming
an "employee" for graduates. Students with internship experience were deemed highly qualified
for jobs and desirable for employment during evaluations. These graduates have a higher
likelihood of securing jobs compared to their peers. Additionally, 70% of interns typically
offered job opportunities by employers and businesses. This data illustrates that internships or
work experience programs are crucial pathways to employment for many graduates. An
internship provides graduates with a chance to gain practical work experience in line with their
qualifications, helping to align students' skills with industry needs.

Research has demonstrated that graduate interns who are hiring full-time are more effective in
their roles compared to those who do not have internship experience. Many graduates believe
that internships are beneficial for connecting academic knowledge with practical skills by
enhancing the transfer of information and abilities. The internship, also called a work experience
programme, recognized as a key pathway for young individuals to secure job opportunities.
Internship founded on the idea that graduates need practical work experience to improve their
chances of securing a job. Moreover, research indicates that internships offer advantages to both
recent college graduates and companies. As an example, internships offer financial support for
graduates and give employers a chance to assess graduates' skills and work ethic (Mseleku,
2019).

Furthermore, there are multiple studies on internships and job prospects in various developed and
developing countries; there is a clear lack of research on the private sectors based in Mogadishu.

This study seeks to fill an important gap in knowledge and provide useful information on how
internships such work experience, social network and interpersonal skills, affect employment
opportunities in the research field, specifically in Mogadishu.

1.2 Problem Statement of the study

An internship serves as a connection between the theoretical knowledge gained in academics and
the practical experience gained in a professional setting. Internship programs offer students the
chance to gain firsthand experience of professional practices and activities in an authentic work
setting. Additionally, it acts as a medium for students to apply their academic knowledge in real-
world job scenarios. Students can gain valuable work experience, improve job performance,
enhance interpersonal skills, and build a professional network through internship opportunities,
increasing their chances of securing a job post-graduation. An internship can serve as a platform
for interns to broaden their social connections. Expanding their social network will significantly
enhance their job prospects in their future career. Typically, universities and colleges set a
specific number of credit hours for internships in students' academic journey (Chan, J.M., Yeap,
J.M., Taahir, A.B., *Mohd Remie, 2020).

Despite the increasing trend in the number of student graduates in the universities in Mogadishu,
Somalia, the gap between the skills that are needed by industries and the skills that are learnt in
universities cannot be overlooked as the unemployment rate among the youth is a worrying
trend. The problem of unemployment especially among the youth is a big challenge in the
developing countries and Mogadishu the capital city of Somalia has its fair share of challenges in
creating job opportunities. The youth have limited practical experience, narrow social networks,
and poor interpersonal skills which hinders employment and is a threat to the city’s economic
and social development.
Significant factors leading to employment challenges involve a critical lack of internships and
work experience opportunities, worsened by the unstable economy that hinders companies from
offering these programs. Numerous companies face difficulties in staying afloat, prioritizing
short-term requirements rather than nurturing emerging talent. Moreover, persistent security
issues discourage companies from investing in long-term programs such as internships, and the
absence of an established corporate culture restricts organized options for young people.

The shortcomings of social networks and cultural obstacles further widen the employment gap.
Clan-oriented social frameworks frequently limit networking opportunities, hindering the
collaboration essential for career advancement. Additionally, limited access to quality education
impedes the growth of soft skills crucial for job opportunities.

If left unaddressed, these problems could result in economic stagnation and social turmoil.
Elevated youth unemployment can impede economic development, sustain poverty, and possibly
lead to crime or violence among discontented young individuals, destabilizing communities and
hindering peace initiatives in the area.

Therefore, this study will specifically investigate the internships provided by private companies
for students looking to enhance their skills and secure their desired job, aiming to connect
academic learning with industry practice. This study focused on identifying an effective
approach to improve the skills and experiences of graduates in order to boost their employability
prospects.

1.3 General objective / Aim / Purpose of the study

 To explore the role of student internships on employment opportunities in Mogadishu,

Somalia

1.4 Specific objectives of the study

 To examine the relationships between interpersonal skills and employment opportunities

in Mogadishu, Somalia
  To investigate the impact of work experience on employment opportunities in
Mogadishu, Somalia
 To study the influence of social network on employment opportunities in Mogadishu,
Somalia

1.5 Research question

 What are the relationship between interpersonal skills and employment opportunities in
Mogadishu, Somalia?
 How does work experience contribute to employment opportunities in Mogadishu,
Somalia?
 What is the relationship between social network and employment opportunities in
Mogadishu, Somalia?

1.6 Hypothesis

 There is positive relationship between interpersonal skills and employment opportunities

in Mogadishu, Somalia.
 Work experience contributes to employment opportunities in Mogadishu, Somalia.
 There is positive relationship between social network and employment opportunities in
Mogadishu, Somalia.

1.7 Significance /Importance/justification of this study

The findings of this study will be extremely beneficial to various important parties:
First, the research is important for students because it shows how internships can directly
affect their ability to find employment. In today's tough job market, having work experience
and technical skills can make all the difference in landing a job. This research will show how
internships give students practical experience, allowing them to connect theoretical
classroom knowledge with real-life job requirements. Students can enhance their job market
prospects and increase their likelihood of employment post-graduation by recognizing the
significance of internships.

Second, it will be advantageous for private sector firms in Mogadishu to recognize the
importance of internships in attracting and retaining skilled young professionals. The
 research will also provide students with information regarding the job market's demands and
the skills needed to excel in their selected professions.

Third, this research will focus on the connection between internships and employment
opportunities, promote collaboration between educational institutions and businesses to
enhance internship programs that support the success of young individuals in the job market
of Mogadishu.

In the end, this study will help in building a capable workforce, work experience and it
enhance interpersonal skills, which will lead to increase productivity, growth, stability
communication among the employees of the organizations in Mogadishu, Somalia.

1.8 Scope of the study

In this section, we mention the content the scope, geographical scope, and time scope of our
study.

1.8.1 Content scope: This study will explore the role of student internships through
interpersonal skills and work experience on employment opportunity in private sectors.

1.8.2 Geographical scope: This research will conductsx in Mogadishu, Somalia. The study
was focus on specific private sector companies in the city that are crucial in providing
internships for students and graduates.

1.8.3 Time scope: This study began in August 2024 and is set to finish in January 2025, in
line with the typical timeline for students to finish their studies.

1.9 Operational definition

Student internship

Internship commonly defined as a brief period of hands-on experience where students trained
and develop skills in a particular field or area of interest (Kapareliotis et al., 2019).

Internship is a component of education that allows students to learn by working. It usually

 described as a temporary part-time position, with moderate or no pay, where interns acquire
practical skills to improve their chances of getting hired (Mseleku, 2019).

Work Experience

Work experience is how an employee gains knowledge of a specific work routine, as stated
by Manullang in 1984. As stated by Lengkong et al (2019), having work experience involves
a journey of acquiring knowledge and enhancing the ability to exhibit positive actions. It can
defined as that work experience refers to the skills and knowledge acquired and utilized by
an employee during various periods of employment (Ratnawati et al., 2020).

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills refer to abilities for engaging with colleagues in a professional setting or
with customers. Essentially, it comprises skills in leadership, communication, conflict
management, and team-building (Rieti et al., 2019).

Social Network

Social network is the act of individuals engaging regularly with others, which can impact our
beliefs, choices, and actions (Matthew, 2010). Having an internship in a company offers
interns a better opportunity to secure a job in the organization if they build strong
relationships with coworkers and superiors. Internship serves as a platform for interns to
enlarge their social circle. Once they broaden their social connections, their future career
prospects will significantly enhance (Chan, J.M., Yeap, J.M., Taahir, A.B., *Mohd Remie,
2020).

Employment opportunity

Employment opportunities involves the possibilities for individuals to find jobs in a

particular field or industry, taking into account factors like job market conditions, necessary
skills, and potential for career advancement. (Cutshaw, 2011)

1.10 Conceptual framework

This model shows that the student internships have impact to the employment opportunity.
Student internships, work experience, and interpersonal skills would be take independent
variable and employment opportunity represents dependent variable.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE

Student internships Employment opportunity

Work experience

Njuuux
Interpersonal skills Employment opportunity

Social Network

Figure 1.1: Conceptual Framework

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