THE IMPORTANCE OF PRE-GRADUATE INTERNSHIP FOR HIGHER EDUCATION APPLICANTs IN THE MODERN SPECIALISTS’ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Summary. The paper examines transformational processes in the professional education field, both in general and in the future specialists’ practical professional training context. The challenges of the domestic education sphere related to person-oriented training issues as well as specialists’ adaptation to extraordinary circumstances and society’s needs are highlighted in the article presented. Particular attention is paid to the pre-graduate internship importance in the higher education applicants’ quality professional training.

The purpose of the paper is to discuss the role of pre-graduate internship during the higher education institutions students’ preparation for professional activity in the modern labor market conditions. Approaches to the organization and conduct of higher education applicants’ pre-graduate internship regarding the modern labor market requirements are analyzed.

The key principles that ensure the pre-graduate internship effectiveness have been updated, including scientificity, connection between theory and practice, continuity and consistency, training individualization, cooperation with enterprises, results control and evaluation, professional orientation and practical skills development.

The article as well determines the pre-graduate internship purpose and main tasks, in particular, theoretical knowledge improvement and consolidation, practical skills development, familiarization with real working conditions, professional contacts establishment and preparation for writing a diploma thesis (master’s degree paper). Prospects for further research in this area are outlined, including pre-graduate internship effectiveness assessment issues, its impact on the graduates’ employment and their future professional success.