Waters, R. K., & Gilstrap, C. M. (2010). Examining the role of peer messages in the anticipatory socialization process of the internship experience. Journal of Cooperative Education and Internships, 44(1), 6-12.
This study examined the content of peer-to-peer conversations among college students regarding internship experiences. Drawing on anticipatory socialization literature, the study examined how informal social networks shape students' expectations of pre-professional work experiences. Thirty-six undergraduate students participated in semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the transcripts revealed five different content areas in peer-to-peer internship discussions: work-related issues, site opportunities, logistics, compensation, and the opportunity for career advancement. Themes also emerged that reflected student expectations of internships. Specifically, students expect an internship to provide exposure to a field of study, opportunity to acquire relevant skills, performance of mundane tasks, opportunity for career advancement, and minimal compensation. Findings show the interpersonal communication aspects of internships are not commonly discussed between peers. Additionally, student expectations reveal a tension between the desire to gain valuable skills and an expectation of performing mundane tasks. Implications for site supervisors and university personnel are discussed.