An Appraisal Of Virtual Internship In Kenya: Experiences And Perceptions During Covid-19 Pandemic

Purpose: This paper sought to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Virtual internship. It explores the interns experience and perceptionon virtual internship that was accelerated by the outbreak of COVID-19. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional study on interns in different companies in Kenya. The study used both close-ended and open-ended online questionnaires to collect data from 161 interns about their experience and perception of switching to virtual internship. The data analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: Internship programs were interrupted by COVID-19 pandemic greatly. There was low number of interns in organizations, and management made changes on the scope and intake of interns. Among the changes made by organization was the shift from traditional internship to virtual internship. The virtual interns reported great satisfaction. They reported gaining by learning technical skills and soft skills for remote work. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The findings of this study contribute and fill the gaps to the literature around virtual internship. The study recommends organizations to adopt policy that allow for virtual internship. The policy should, firstly, provide for orientation of interns. This will enable the interns to understand their scope of work and company culture. Secondly, the policy should clearly provide the most appropriate communication platforms e.g. zoom, WhatsApp, teams etc. Finally the policy should include a framework that will allow interns to attend departmental meetings. This will go a long way in exposing the interns to the company's work culture and reduce isolation.