Study-Work | Approach to internship supervision BUas

The barrier to approaching an unfamiliar company can be high for many students with support needs. When a student already has a connection with a company, such as a side job, it makes the transition to an internship easier. In this regard, it is important for the educational institution to work with the student and the company to discuss the best options. We spoke with Annemarie Beterams, lecturer and supervisor at the Academy of Tourism at BUas (Breda university of applied sciences), about the importance of inclusive internships and what factors play a role for a successful internship.

A good example of how to promote inclusive internships is Yasmien, who had been working at Holiday Discounter for some time in her spare time. Her familiarity with the organization made the move to do an internship here easier.

What makes a company ideal for inclusive internships?

“An ideal partner for inclusive internships is a company with an open and unbiased atmosphere that is deeply embedded in the corporate culture. Being inclusive means looking at your entire human resources policy as a company. It is important that the internship supervisor is given enough time and space to supervise the student without it being perceived as an “extra burden. A company that deliberately chooses an intern who wants to learn something and doesn’t just see them as cheap labor contributes to a positive and educational experience for both the company itself and the intern.”

Striking results through additional support

“The impact of inclusive internship supervision has been extremely positive. For example, I was impressed by the high standard of Yasmien’s internship report and business assignments. The freedom in time allocation and the trust she received ensured excellent results; both in her in-depth research and personal development. I also noticed the reflection section: honest, sincere and thoughtful; an example for other students.

“This shows how important it is to give students with support needs the right guidance, space and confidence.”

Overcoming challenges during the internship

“Yasmien experienced challenges in collaboration and communication. Her supervisor spoke to her honestly and directly about her behavior. This was clear to Yasmien. The supervisor also mentioned positive points in the student’s performance. She had a good eye for that, knowledge and people skills. I think this is also an important aspect of good guidance for anyone; guidance that both challenges and supports. As a result, Yasmien has made great strides in her development. As a supervisor from the program, I have the same approach: clearly and honestly naming things positive but also negative things and linking concrete actions to them together with the student.”

The impact of inclusive counseling

“It is so nice that after setback(s), success has now been achieved. This success motivates not only the students, but also me as a supervisor. It gives them the self-confidence needed to persevere until the end of their education. And then they often succeed.”

Policies and activities at BUas

“Currently, to my knowledge, at BUas, the Academy of Tourism where I work, there is no specific policy on inclusive internship support. But I am eager to work on this with colleagues in the practice office, from the Student Affairs team and/or from BEST training – through which we help students with support needs. I think my colleagues are certainly open to this. I look forward to engaging students and former students, who may or may not be in the workforce themselves, in creating policies that promote inclusive counseling.”

Advice to internship supervisors and educational institutions

“There is still a lot of room for improvement within higher education institutions like BUas to ease the transition to the job market for students by offering more support even after graduation. Many companies are looking for new talent, and colleges like Windesheim already have interesting initiatives such as the Strong at Work concept, which offers a kind of service point for (almost) graduated students. Setting up a mediation agency focused on inclusion, training, advice and guidance for both students and employers would be an excellent addition.

Some tips:

• Help students with support needs take small, concrete steps and continue to provide active feedback. While not every pathway will be successful, each component is important to the final outcome.
• In case of serious student welfare problems, professional help is needed, for example, a general practitioner or psychologist AND, if the student wishes, stay personally involved as a counselor.
• Make work of the legal regulations that encourage inclusiveness. You must comply with these as an institution within a few years. Funds are available for this.
• Satisfied (former) students, employees and employers are good PR for your education.
• Set a good example yourself and ensure a clear inclusive HRM policy. Do this by providing a nice workplace also for people who need some extra guidance or adjustments. This has a positive impact on both the students and society as a whole.

Changed perspective on education and counseling

“Through the experiences, I have learned to look at situations in a somewhat neutral way myself. Not to immediately, well-meaning, start filling in things for someone else or to have a conclusion ready. It is nice to give students and colleagues space and trust within the possibilities. But I also notice – conversely – how nice it is when people treat you with an open mind. That’s a good climate to learn (together), to develop something new.”

Message for students

“My message to students is: I try to understand your concerns as best I can. The transition can feel like very big and very exciting, maybe too exciting for you. It can also be scary to bring this up within your program, that you have concerns. Nevertheless, I encourage you to do so. Speak to a teacher or staff member you trust. Also, think for yourself about companies you may already know. Perhaps the transition to internship or work might be less exciting by checking if there are opportunities within this organization? Of course, there is also your dean at school who is there specifically for you to look at additional opportunities and guidance. Some colleges may have some kind of ‘plus’ internship counselors who provide extra support.”