DUEL (sic) Views of Internships as Experiential Learning

Abstract

This paper is an example of dueling opinions, in this case on the topic of whether business internships provide a basis for good experiential learning. It discusses criteria constituting experiential learning and then evaluates internships on these criteria. Problems encountered in the process include the authors not agreeing as to what an "internship" is and thus whether it constitutes experiential learning. The compromise conclusion is that internships, if properly administered, can be excellent vehicles for experiential learning. A warning should be made though, that such administration efforts may lead to burnout and to negative consequences for the administrator’s career.