This document analyzes chemical engineering students' expectations before and after a curricular internship program at the University of Minho in Portugal. It describes the internship program, which involves a 4-5 month placement at a company during the students' last year. A questionnaire was administered to 44 students before and after their internships to assess their expectations and self-evaluation of skills like scientific preparation, teamwork, and time management. The results found that students' self-evaluations increased for most skills after their internships, suggesting the internships helped improve students' perceived abilities. The study provides information on students' internship experiences and how their expectations and self-assessments changed following their professional work placements.

1. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Students’ expectations analysis
before and after a curricular internship
Isabel M. Brás Pereira, Paulo Silva, M. Teresa Sena Esteves, Margarida M. Ribeiro,
Anabela Guedes, Celina P. Leão, Filomena Soares
Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto | Portugal
Escola de Engenharia| Universidade do Minho | Portugal
2 - 4 November 2016, Salamanca, Spain

2. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Outline
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Engineering Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks

3. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Motivation
Independently of the formation area, authors are unanimous in affirming
that internship programs provide the opportunity to develop students´
technical and soft skills
Chemical
Eng
Management Electrical
Eng.
Health Industrial
Eng
…

4. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Motivation
Previous study (Pereira et al, 2015):
- analysis based on the company supervisors’ viewpoints
- students have the adequate skills to perform a one-semester internship
in a company
- students’ performance is very well classified by companies’ supervisors

5. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
To analyze
expectations of chemical engineering students towards their first
professional experience
before and after their curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Main goal of this study

6. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Curricular Internship in Chemical Engineering Graduation (ISEP)
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Project/Internship : 1st Cycle Chemical Engineering, last (3rd) year
Options : engineering project (plant design) or curricular internship
Number of
enrolled students
and internships
Recent scenario
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16
Total students
Internships
88%
70%
47%
82%

7. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Internship
• 4 to 5 months
• 4 days / week
• working schedule = to regular employees
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Curricular Internship in Chemical Engineering Graduation (ISEP)
4 other courses
mostly evening classes
reports, tests, team works…
Last semester of the study programme
professional commitment
diving in real working life

8. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
• Course outcomes for the student
- development of personal and technical skills in what concerns the
work in a real organisation;
- planning work and meeting deadlines;
- executing well and in time proposed tasks;
- interpreting and discussing results;
- applying acquired knowledge;
- writing a final report clearly describing the work done and the
results obtained.
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Curricular Internship in Chemical Engineering Graduation (ISEP)

9. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
1st
tool definition:
questionnaire
2nd
Data
colletion
3rd
Data analysis
and “outliers”
identification
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Methodology

10. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
1st
tool definition:
questionnaire
2nd
Data
colletion
3rd
Data analysis
and “outliers”
identification
- Part I:
- Student characterization
- Part II:
- Global assessment of the graduation
- Self assessment
- Expectations regarding internship
- Main reason for internship choice
- Open question
BEFORE
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Methodology

11. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
1st
tool definition:
questionnaire
2nd
Data
colletion
3rd
Data analysis
and “outliers”
identification
- Part I:
- Student characterization
- Part II:
- Global assessment of the graduation
- Self assessment
- Outcomes regarding internship
- Open question
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Methodology
AFTER

12. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
1st
tool definition:
questionnaire
2nd
Data
colletion
3rd
Data analysis
and “outliers”
identification
34 items assessed with a 5-point Likert
scale 1 Very Poor to 5 Very Good
and “No opinion”
- Part I:
- Student characterization
- Part II:
- Global assessment of the graduation
- Self assessment
- Expectations / Outcomes
- Main reason for internship choice
- Open question
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Methodology

13. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
1st
tool definition:
questionnaire
2nd
Data
colletion
3rd
Data analysis
and “outliers”
identification
- Part I:
- Student characterization
- Part II:
- Global assessment of the graduation
- Self assessment
- Expectations / Outcomes
- Main reason for internship choice
- Open question
Validation:
- within a group of students
- evaluation of internal consistency or
reliability of the instrument
(Cronbach's alpha)
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Methodology

14. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
1st
tool definition:
questionnaire
2nd
Data
colletion
3rd
Data analysis
and “outliers”
identification
- Part I:
- Student characterization
- Part II:
- Global assessment of the graduation
- Self assessment
- Expectations / Outcomes
- Main reason for internship choice
- Open question
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Methodology

15. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
1st
tool definition:
questionnaire
2nd
Data
collection
3rd
Data analysis
and “outliers”
identification
- 1st moment: before the internship
started, company and subject of work
already defined
- 2nd moment: just after the end of the
internship but before the final
presentation
- an initial explanation of the research
purposes was made.
- all students answered
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Methodology

16. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Methodology
1st
tool definition:
questionnaire
2nd
Data
collection
3rd
Data analysis:
students’
expectations/
outcomes

17. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Sample Characterization
44 students

18. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
68.2
31.8
Female
Male
GENDER
(%)
Sample Characterization
44 students
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks

19. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
54.5
40.9
4.6
21 or less
22 to 24
25 or more
Sample Characterization
44 students
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
AGE
(%)

20. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Results and discussion
Student’s self assessment
2.1 Scientific preparation for the internship
2.2 Technical preparation for the internship
2.3 Sense of responsibility for the internship
2.4 Ability to make interpersonal relationships with the company supervisor
2.5 Ability to make interpersonal relationships with the other company staff
2.6 Ability to work in a team
2.7 Autonomy and spirit of initiative
2.8 Ability to manage time and meet deadlines
2.9 Ability to articulate the internship with other curricular activities
2.10 Availability of transportation to move between home/company/ISEP
2.11 Increase of expenses with the internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks

21. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Results and discussion
Student’s self assessment
min – Median - max
Before
2.1 Scientific preparation for the internship 3 - 4 - 5
2.2 Technical preparation for the internship 2 - 4 - 5
2.3 Sense of responsibility for the internship 2 - 5 - 5
2.4 Ability to make interpersonal relationships with the company supervisor 3 - 4 - 5
2.5 Ability to make interpersonal relationships with the other company staff 3 - 4 - 5
2.6 Ability to work in a team 3 - 5 - 5
2.7 Autonomy and spirit of initiative 3 - 4 - 5
2.8 Ability to manage time and meet deadlines 3 - 4 - 5
2.9 Ability to articulate the internship with other curricular activities 3 - 4 - 5
2.10 Availability of transportation to move between home/company/ISEP 1 - 4 - 5
2.11 Increase of expenses with the internship 1 - 4 - 5

22. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Results and discussion
Student’s self assessment
min – Median - max Statistics
T (A-B)
Before After
2.1 Scientific preparation for the internship 3 - 4 - 5 2 - 4 - 4 60
2.2 Technical preparation for the internship 2 - 4 - 5 3 - 4 - 5 105.5
2.3 Sense of responsibility for the internship 2 - 5 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 32.5
2.4 Ability to make interpersonal relationships with the company supervisor 3 - 4 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 80.5
2.5 Ability to make interpersonal relationships with the other company staff 3 - 4 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 99.5
2.6 Ability to work in a team 3 - 5 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 48
2.7 Autonomy and spirit of initiative 3 - 4 - 5 3 - 4 - 5 30
2.8 Ability to manage time and meet deadlines 3 - 4 - 5 2 - 4 - 5 60
2.9 Ability to articulate the internship with other curricular activities 3 - 4 - 5 1 - 4 - 5 42.5
2.10 Availability of transportation to move between home/company/ISEP 1 - 4 - 5 1 - 4 - 5 124.5
2.11 Increase of expenses with the internship 1 - 4 - 5 1 - 4 - 5 108.5

23. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Results and discussion
Student’s self assessment
min – Median - max Statistics
T (A-B)
Before After
2.1 Scientific preparation for the internship 3 - 4 - 5 2 - 4 - 4 60
2.2 Technical preparation for the internship 2 - 4 - 5 3 - 4 - 5 105.5
2.3 Sense of responsibility for the internship 2 - 5 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 32.5
2.4 Ability to make interpersonal relationships with the company supervisor 3 - 4 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 80.5
2.5 Ability to make interpersonal relationships with the other company staff 3 - 4 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 99.5
2.6 Ability to work in a team 3 - 5 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 48
2.7 Autonomy and spirit of initiative 3 - 4 - 5 3 - 4 - 5 30
2.8 Ability to manage time and meet deadlines 3 - 4 - 5 2 - 4 - 5 60
2.9 Ability to articulate the internship with other curricular activities 3 - 4 - 5 1 - 4 - 5 42.5
2.10 Availability of transportation to move between home/company/ISEP 1 - 4 - 5 1 - 4 - 5 124.5
2.11 Increase of expenses with the internship 1 - 4 - 5 1 - 4 - 5 108.5

24. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Results and discussion
Student’s self assessment
min – Median - max Statistics
T (A-B)
Before After
2.1 Scientific preparation for the internship 3 - 4 - 5 2 - 4 - 4 60
2.2 Technical preparation for the internship 2 - 4 - 5 3 - 4 - 5 105.5
2.3 Sense of responsibility for the internship 2 - 5 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 32.5
2.4 Ability to make interpersonal relationships with the company supervisor 3 - 4 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 80.5
2.5 Ability to make interpersonal relationships with the other company staff 3 - 4 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 99.5
2.6 Ability to work in a team 3 - 5 - 5 3 - 5 - 5 48
2.7 Autonomy and spirit of initiative 3 - 4 - 5 3 - 4 - 5 30
2.8 Ability to manage time and meet deadlines 3 - 4 - 5 2 - 4 - 5 60
2.9 Ability to articulate the internship with other curricular activities 3 - 4 - 5 1 - 4 - 5 42.5
2.10 Availability of transportation to move between home/company/ISEP 1 - 4 - 5 1 - 4 - 5 124.5
2.11 Increase of expenses with the internship 1 - 4 - 5 1 - 4 - 5 108.5
Difference in

25. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Results and discussion
Student’s expectations
3.1 To increase scientific preparation
3.2 To increase technical preparation
3.3 To increase the capacity to meet new challenges
3.4 To increase the ability to work under pressure
3.5 To increase oral communication skills
3.6 To increase written communication skills
3.7 To increase the ease in getting a job
3.8 To apply the knowledge acquired during the chemical engng graduation
3.9 To increase skills in an area where they want to work in the future
3.10 To increase skills in areas least covered in the chemical engng graduation
3.11 To have the opportunity of getting a job in the internship company

26. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Results and discussion
Student’s expectations
min – Median - max
Before
3.1 To increase scientific preparation 3 - 4 – 5
3.2 To increase technical preparation 4 - 5 – 5
3.3 To increase the capacity to meet new challenges 4 - 5 – 5
3.4 To increase the ability to work under pressure 3 - 5 – 5
3.5 To increase oral communication skills 2 - 4 – 5
3.6 To increase written communication skills 3 - 4 – 5
3.7 To increase the ease in getting a job 1 - 4 – 5
3.8 To apply the knowledge acquired during the chemical engng graduation 2 - 4 – 5
3.9 To increase skills in an area where they want to work in the future 4 - 4 – 5
3.10 To increase skills in areas least covered in the chemical engng graduation 2 - 4 – 5
3.11 To have the opportunity of getting a job in the internship company 2 - 4 - 5

27. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Results and discussion
Student’s expectations
min – Median - max Statistics
T (A-B)
Before After
3.1 To increase scientific preparation 3 - 4 – 5 2 - 4 – 5 66.5
3.2 To increase technical preparation 4 - 5 – 5 3 - 4 – 5 40
3.3 To increase the capacity to meet new challenges 4 - 5 – 5 3 - 4 – 5 16
3.4 To increase the ability to work under pressure 3 - 5 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 66
3.5 To increase oral communication skills 2 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 46
3.6 To increase written communication skills 3 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 103.5
3.7 To increase the ease in getting a job 1 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 80.5
3.8 To apply the knowledge acquired during the chemical engng graduation 2 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 65
3.9 To increase skills in an area where they want to work in the future 4 - 4 – 5 2 - 4 – 5 55
3.10 To increase skills in areas least covered in the chemical engng graduation 2 - 4 – 5 2 - 4 – 5 103.5
3.11 To have the opportunity of getting a job in the internship company 2 - 4 - 5 1 - 3 – 5 60

28. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Results and discussion
Student’s expectations
min – Median - max Statistics
T (A-B)
Before After
3.1 To increase scientific preparation 3 - 4 – 5 2 - 4 – 5 66.5
3.2 To increase technical preparation 4 - 5 – 5 3 - 4 – 5 40
3.3 To increase the capacity to meet new challenges 4 - 5 – 5 3 - 4 – 5 16
3.4 To increase the ability to work under pressure 3 - 5 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 66
3.5 To increase oral communication skills 2 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 46
3.6 To increase written communication skills 3 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 103.5
3.7 To increase the ease in getting a job 1 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 80.5
3.8 To apply the knowledge acquired during the chemical engng graduation 2 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 65
3.9 To increase skills in an area where they want to work in the future 4 - 4 – 5 2 - 4 – 5 55
3.10 To increase skills in areas least covered in the chemical engng graduation 2 - 4 – 5 2 - 4 – 5 103.5
3.11 To have the opportunity of getting a job in the internship company 2 - 4 - 5 1 - 3 – 5 60

29. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Results and discussion
Student’s expectations
min – Median - max Statistics
T (A-B)
Before After
3.1 To increase scientific preparation 3 - 4 – 5 2 - 4 – 5 66.5
3.2 To increase technical preparation 4 - 5 – 5 3 - 4 – 5 40
3.3 To increase the capacity to meet new challenges 4 - 5 – 5 3 - 4 – 5 16
3.4 To increase the ability to work under pressure 3 - 5 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 66
3.5 To increase oral communication skills 2 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 46
3.6 To increase written communication skills 3 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 103.5
3.7 To increase the ease in getting a job 1 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 80.5
3.8 To apply the knowledge acquired during the chemical engng graduation 2 - 4 – 5 1 - 4 – 5 65
3.9 To increase skills in an area where they want to work in the future 4 - 4 – 5 2 - 4 – 5 55
3.10 To increase skills in areas least covered in the chemical engng graduation 2 - 4 – 5 2 - 4 – 5 103.5
3.11 To have the opportunity of getting a job in the internship company 2 - 4 - 5 1 - 3 – 5 60
Difference in

30. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Final remarks
• Objective
- to analyse the self-evaluation and the expectations/outcomes of
chemical engineering students towards a curricular internship
• Tool
- questionnaire handed before starting the internship and after its end
• Sample
- 44 students of the 3rd (last) year of 1st cycle in Chemical Engineering

31. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Final remarks
• self-evaluation and students’ expectations before starting the internship
are globally very positive, with medians of 4 and 5 for all items
• ten in 22 items showed statistical differences before and after
• in all these cases, the tendency is to observe better classifications before
the internship

32. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Final remarks
• before internship, students classify very positively their skills towards
professional integration and have very high expectations regarding the
outcomes of the internship;
• after internship, students make a quite similar self-evaluation of their
skills;
• real achievements stay below initial expectations
• even so overall classification is very positive, confirming the importance
of this experience in students’ formation

33. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
2 - 4 November 2016, Salamanca, Spain
Thank you
Isabel M. Brás Pereira, Paulo Silva, M. Teresa Sena Esteves, Margarida M. Ribeiro,
Anabela Guedes, Celina P. Leão, Filomena Soares
Corresponding Author: imp@isep.ipp.pt
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors thank the Research Centre CIETI (Centro de
Inovação em Engenharia e Tecnologia Industrial) and
FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia of the
projects COMPETE: POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007043 and
UID/CEC/00319-2013 for all the support provided.

34. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
• Selection of internship working place
- students’ search
- CED support (previous partnerships, new contacts, ...)
• Internship theme, plan & general objectives proposal: company
Validation: CED
• Selection of candidates
- interview by the “employer”
- academic grades
- location
(...)
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Curricular Internship in Chemical Engineering Graduation (ISEP)

35. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Curricular Internship in Chemical Engineering Graduation (ISEP)
• Work supervision and course assessment
Internship follow-up:
o tutor in company +
“dedicated” teacher in CED: regular meetings with student;
one or more meetings with company tutor
o progress report
o oral intermediate presentation

36. School of Engineering | University of MinhoStudents’ expectations analysis before and after a curricular internship
Introduction
Curricular Internship in Chemical Eng. Graduation (ISEP)
Material and Methodology
Results and Discussion
Final Remarks
Curricular Internship in Chemical Engineering Graduation (ISEP)
• Work supervision and course assessment
Final assessment
o student’s performance in the company (60%)
o written report (25%)
o oral presentation and discussion (15%)
10 ECTS in 180 ECTS