Anticipated Russian Student Expectations for Their Education
How Russian University Students Envision Their Ideal Internship
Tuning into the dreams and apprehensions of Russian students concerning internships, VK Education's analysts have unveiled some fascinating insights. Nearly a thousand young minds shared their thoughts on the ideal internship, what it should offer, and the skills it should foster.
Bearing this in mind, over 89% of students firmly believe that the functions they will perform during their internship should match their chosen major. Their primary focus is on their professional and career development. An impressive 91% are hoping to acquire precious real-world experience, while 81% strive to strengthen essential competencies. The pursuit of an organization for internship or future employment comes in close second, with 80% of students eagerly awaiting such opportunities.
Adding cases to their portfolio (61%) and forging valuable connections (48%) also rank high on their wish list, with receiving company recommendations (42%) close behind. Technical majors (85%) are brimming with eagerness to develop professional skills, while creative fields (80%) concern themselves mainly with expanding their portfolio. Notably, 28% of respondents regard internships as a formal requirement.
Despite their excitement, students are also aware of the challenges that may await them. Over 70% express concern about unclear instructions and a lack of feedback, while 50% worry about the absence of a mentor or supervisor. 43% fear appearing incompetent, and 43% are anxious that the internship won't open up career prospects. For 41%, the primary fear lies in encountering tasks unrelated to their profession, and for 40%, it's feeling useless. Many express concern about adapting to a team (32%) and juggling the internship with their studies (27%).
Students in creative majors primarily fret about the lack of career benefits from the internship (75%), while future managers and technical specialists are most concerned about the lack of clear job descriptions (77% and 70% respectively). It's interesting to note that most students (70%) prefer to independently choose their internship location.
Digging deeper into the expectations and challenges of Russian students, we find that students worldwide face similar issues, but cultural and economic factors can steer these challenges in Russia. Top expectations include desired skill development, career advancement opportunities, networking opportunities, and cultural and language experience. In the pursuit of their ideal internship, students often consider the reputation and industry fit, location and accessibility, recommendations and reviews, and availability of resources.
Facing common challenges such as competition for limited spots, visa and legal issues, financial constraints, and balancing academics and work, students turn to initiatives like the ASEEES Internship Grant Program, which offers financial support and hands-on experience, crucial for students specializing in Russian studies or interested in international internships.
[1] ASEEES Internship Grant Program: https://www.aseees.org/ Programs-Research-and-Publications/Grants-and-Fellowships/Internship-Grants#:~:text=ASEEES%20Internship%20Grants%20offer%20financial%20support%20to%20students,maximum%20of%20$5,000%20for%20each%20awardee.
- For many Russian students, the primary focus of their ideal internship lies in their education-and-self-development, as they aim to acquire learning opportunities that will foster their personal-growth and strengthen essential competencies.
- The ASEEES Internship Grant Program, which offers financial support and hands-on experience, aligns with the goals of Russian students who seek internships, especially those specializing in Russian studies or interested in international internships, seeking to overcome financial constraints while gaining valuable experience.
