THE ATTITUDES OF EMPLOYERS TOWARDS INTERNSHIP STUDENTS OF RATTAPHUM COLLEGE, RAJAMANGALA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SRIVIJAYA

Abstract

This study aimed 1) To examine the attitudes of employers towards internship students of Rattaphum College, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, and 2) To explore ways to improve students' internship skills aligning with the demands of the labor market. This study is a quantitative research. The sample group consisted of 57 employers where Rattaphum College students had interned. The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of three parts: demographic information of the respondents, employers' attitudes, and feedback and suggestions. Descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to analyze the data. The results showed that employers had a positive attitude towards the internship of Rattaphum College students, with an overall mean score of 3.72, reflecting a high evaluation across all aspects. The academic and professional knowledge aspect received the highest evaluation with a mean score of 3.87, and the personality traits aspect received a mean score of 3.86. Meanwhile, the ethics and professionalism aspects had a mean score of 3.55, and the general knowledge related to work had a mean score of 3.63. These results indicate that the employers have a favorable perception of the students, particularly regarding their academic and professional knowledge, which reflected their ability to apply knowledge to practical work situations. Moreover, the students' personalities were praised, likely due to the emphasis on personality development during their studies. However, the dimension of general knowledge related to job performance remains an area for potential improvement to better meet labor market demands. This study emphasizes the importance of curriculum development and training programs that comprehensively address both academic and professional knowledge, thereby enhancing the students' potential for future success.