Faculty of Business Administration

Jun
18

This June, K21 Business Administration students at the University of Finance and Marketing (UFM) are set to embark on a defining chapter of their academic journey: Professional Internship 2 (PI 2).

This pivotal experience bridges classroom learning with real-world business practice, providing a crucial leap from theory to application. But what exactly is the Professional Internship, and what value does it bring to students?
The Professional Internship: Bridging theory with practice
PI 2 is an indispensable part of the curriculum, offering students a precious opportunity to acquaint themselves with the real-world work environment while still in academia. It serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing students to witness firsthand how management theories are put into action. During their internship, students will immerse themselves in daily business operations, observe workflow processes, and witness how theoretical concepts are applied in the corporate setting.

Tangible Benefits of the Professional Internship 2 (PI 2)
Participating in the Professional Internship 2 offers students numerous tangible benefits. Firstly, it provides direct exposure to daily business activities, enabling students to grasp the challenges and opportunities that businesses encounter. This firsthand experience illuminates the disparity between theory and practice, solidifying and deepening the knowledge they've acquired.
Moreover, through the internship experience, students can identify new skills and knowledge areas that require further development. For instance, working within a business environment may underscore the importance of communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities – essential soft skills applicable across all fields.
Identifying internship topics based on Management functions
During the internship, students will leverage the four primary functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) to select their research topics. For instance, a student interning in human resources may choose planning with a topic like 'Analyzing the workforce planning process at XYZ Company.' Conversely, a student interning in sales management and selecting the controlling function may opt for a topic such as 'Analyzing the sales force control procedures at ABC Company.' The integration of the four management functions and the internship field helps students determine suitable and practical research topics.
Building professional relationships and enhancing skills
Beyond applying theory to practice, the internship opens doors for students to establish professional networks, facilitating job opportunities post-graduation. Working in a real-world environment under expert guidance helps students cultivate a professional attitude, discipline, and responsibility in their work.
Advice for maximizing learning opportunities during the Internship
To extract the most value from the internship, students should actively seek understanding and learning, not hesitate to ask questions, and seek support from colleagues and mentors. Additionally, documenting experiences, observations, and real-world analyses provides students with a comprehensive view of the work environment and reinforces their learned knowledge.
Professional Internship 2 is not merely a part of the academic program but also a crucial stepping stone for students transitioning from the learning environment to the professional workplace. This is a phase where each student needs to maximize preparations, be ready to face challenges and seize career development opportunities in the future.

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