An internship can be a variety of

positions, as long as it contributes to

the professional development of

the candidate. In order to do this,

certain considerations should be

taken into account.

Frequently asked questions about Internships

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We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about internships to help you better understand the opportunities that will be open for you once you have enrolled into an internship program and how they can help you gain that much needed work experience.

What is an internship?

An internship is a position which allows an individual to gain professional experience in an occupational area they are considering. Typically the experience has a level of responsibility that allows the individual to develop new skills in the field and offers them training and supervision that facilitates learning. An internship is a work-related learning experience for individuals who wish to develop hands on work experience in a certain occupational field.

How long is an internship period?

Depending on the company an internship program can either run for a minimum period of 8 months to 12 months, but this varies across companies.

What is the required level of qualification?

This also depends on the company offering the internship program but normally tertiary qualification is required with minimum of 3 years tertiary qualification.

Is employment guaranteed after enrolling into an internship?

Employment is dependent entirely on the candidate's performance and also on the business demand.

Will I receive any formal qualification after enrolling?

Every candidate who enrols for the internship program will receive formal qualification from ISSET SITA.

Do I receive a salary whilst on an internship program?

Salaries are not normally paid out whilst on an internship program but an allowance is paid out to candidates to assist in their travelling costs.

How does an internship work?

An internship can be a variety of positions, as long as it contributes to the professional development of the candidate. In order to do this, certain considerations should be taken into account.

Firstly, a position must be set up to fulfil a set of goals for professional development. These can be more general (e.g. to gain a sense of the work environment within an Information Technology Company) or more specific (e.g. to learn a particular field-related skill). All intern projects should further these goals, helping the student to gain experience and develop skills. In order to make this possible, it is imperative that all internship positions be assigned a supervisor. This supervisor should work directly with the intern, providing training, guidance and feedback over the course of the position. Secondly, an internship must include a system for feedback and communication. Regular feedback sessions should be formally arranged to facilitate consistent supervision, guidance, and constructive criticism on a weekly basis. A formal midterm consultation date should be set and included in this contract. Also, a final written evaluation from the supervisor of the student's performance is highly encouraged. If the student's performance was good, we urge interns to ask for letters of recommendation.