A Qualitative Study of Factors Influencing Learning Outcomes and Student Satisfaction with Work-From-Home Internships
Keywords:
Accounting Internship, Work from Home (WFH), Learning Outcomes, SatisfactionAbstract
The objective of this qualitative research was to study the determinants influencing student learning outcomes and satisfaction in work-from-home (WFH) accounting internships. Data were gathered from 17 accounting students at a private university during their WFH internships, using in-depth interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire. The research applied qualitative content analysis to extract and categorize relevant themes. Through this method, data from in-depth interviews with 17 accounting students was systematically examined, allowing for an exploration of their experiences. By iteratively coding and categorizing responses, patterns and recurring elements emerged, forming the basis for the identified themes. The six themes emerged from the data, including IT and computing skills, accounting knowledge, teamwork and interpersonal skills, time management skills, accountability, and resourceful skills. The findings suggest that these 6 themes are critical factors influencing students' learning outcomes and satisfaction both positive and negative aspects. In addition, the study also identifies the challenges that students face in a WFH environment as well as the benefits and opportunities that come with this situation. Moreover, these findings can help educators, employers, and policymakers design and implement effective WFH internships that maximize learning outcomes and student satisfaction as well as ensure that students will receive the best possible preparation for their future careers.
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