Undergraduate Work Related Learning Impact Study

Abstract

The paper uses an ex-post facto research design to evaluate impact and benefit of Work Related Learning (WRL) on a cohort of 53 undergraduate Geography and Environmental Studies students, 61% of whom had no prior work experience. To determine impact and benefit of WRL, A five oint semantic differential Scale was used to compare students’ self evaluation of their confidence, competencies in Geography and Environmental Studies, knowledge of demands and challenges of the work place and satisfaction with WRL among other variables at two time periods, namely, before WRL (August 2002) and after WRL (August 2003). Results corroborate the consensual view held by students that, WRL has both short and long term beneficial outcomes. Fifty-nine percent of the students reported a high level of satisfaction with WRL. Seventy-three percent of the students reported having good to excellent knowledge of professional, social and cultural demands of the world of work. An increase in students’ knowledge of potential employment opportunities in Geography and Environmental Studies after WRL was observed. Additional spin-offs from WRL include, job offers (42%), vacation job offers (15%) and sponsorship for students’ study (Z$22 million).