Challenges and Opportunities of Experiential Learning at Institute of Leadership and Good Governance: The Case of Internship Programs

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify and examine the opportunities and challenges of internships at the federal and regional governments of Ethiopia. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The sample size of the study includes 154 students and 73 mentors totaling 227 respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, observation, and focused group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings of the study indicate that the critical challenge of the program lies in the mentor's commitment and willingness to support mentees, weak communication among the University, ministry of public service and human resource development, and hosting organizations, lack of a clear understanding and shared vision regarding the program and shortage of time allocated for the program. Thus, the overall assessment of the internship program is not achieving its objectives. Therefore, the policymaker should be aware of the hosting organization and the university to have a clear idea of the internship objectives, and training should be organized for the public sector's employees to understand the advantage of the program and become actors in its implementation. The guideline of internship is better to be utilized properly by all stockholders and assessing the possible gaps through periodic consultative meetings, and forums. Also involving in the materialization and revised the curriculum of the program. Mentees should develop a creative and positive attitude implementing the internship to learn from the process and arm themselves with the spirit that transforms challenges into an opportunity to grow.