Industrial and organisational psychology internship completion: Enabling and thwarting factors

Abstract

Orientation: Completing an internship is a requirement for master’s students in Industrial and Organisational Psychology (IOP) to obtain professional registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Students seem to experience a diverse range of factors enabling and thwarting them in their quest to complete their internship and gain the prerequisite practical knowledge and skills. Research purpose: This study explored IOP interns’ perceived experiences of the enabling factors and challenges encountered during the internship programme completion. Motivation for the study: A better understanding of the lived experiences of IOP interns will assist organisations and supervising psychologists to create a supporting environment to optimise interns’ development. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was adopted and an open-ended question survey was conducted among ( N = 17) IOP interns in South Africa. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Main findings: A lack of financial resources; programme approval, content and time; the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); and balancing work, dissertation completion and personal life impact IOP interns negatively. Solid support networks and the power within the self are enabling factors. Practical/managerial implications: The findings of this study provide a better understanding of the factors impacting the successful completion of an internship programme and help role-players to gain insight into how this strenuous journey can be improved to create a thriving internship environment supportive of optimal learning and growth for interns. Contribution/value-add: This research highlights the need to revise the internship programme process cycle, including its content, timeframes and reformulating the role of role-players and interns.