Making economics real - The Economics Internship

Abstract

In the context of higher education concerns surrounding economics enrolments in Australia and industry concern about the quality of graduates, an Economics Internship was developed as a final year elective course in an Australian business degree. This paper details qualitative and quantitative evidence supporting the positive impact of the Economics Internship in terms of students' generic skills, career and vocational skills, self-efficacy and satisfaction. The Economics Internship makes economics 'real' for students through their exposure to a dynamic learning environment and, in light of the evidence, is a model which demands further consideration and investment within economics education.