The Effectiveness Of The Internship Program: A Case Study at PT Erick Marsudi Utomo

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of the Certified Internship and Independent Study Program (MSIB), focusing on a case study of student interns placed at PT Erick Marsudi Utomo under the APINDO coordination. While the program promoted roles as “business consultants” for MSMEs, interns frequently encountered a mismatch between job expectations and reality. Interns were often assigned operational and administrative tasks, with limited strategic involvement or mentoring, leading to frustration and decreased motivation. Through a qualitative case study approach involving interviews with three interns, this research identifies three main issues: (1) a significant gap between job expectations and actual tasks; (2) challenges related to unclear job descriptions, weak communication, and lack of mentorship; and (3) self-initiated adaptation strategies developed by interns in response to these limitations. The results indicate that while interns gained soft skills such as adaptability and resilience, the program fell short of delivering professional development as promised. This study recommends that program administrators and host companies adopt clearer job design, structured mentoring, and consistent evaluation systems to enhance the learning experience and avoid undermining student trust. By addressing systemic weaknesses and incorporating student-led adaptive practices into formal learning structures, the MSIB program can better fulfill its educational objectives.