Practicum-Based Approach to Bridge Between Information-Systems Industry Expectations and Graduates Qualifications

Abstract

In this study, a practicum-based approach to bridge the gap between industry expectations and Information Systems graduates skills is presented and discussed. Students participate in the practicum project during their last study year, and take part in various professional activities in the industry in accordance with their professional aspirations and their desired specialty. Semi-structured questionnaires and interviews with students who participated in the project in the last four years were conducted in order to reveal the students' perceived contributions of the project. The students experienced real workplace environments, acquired extended knowledge and skills, built social infrastructure to assist them with future job seeking, and above all gained real world experience that help them to build their professional image, and gain confidence in their traits and abilities. In addition, the practicum-based approach was compared with other common approaches used to bridge the gap, and its relative advantages and disadvantages were discussed.