Analysis of the effect of field attachment programmes on Makerere University undergraduate students

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of Field Attachment programmes on the academic, professional and personal attributes of undergraduate students in Makerere University, as well as exposing the strengths and weaknesses of existing field attachment programmes in Uganda. And lastly, suggesting effective recommendations that can be implemented and practiced in the field attachment programmes to better the experience of the undergraduate student whilst taking the programme. The data of the study consisted of 120 undergraduate students undertaking a Bachelor’s in Business Statistics, of the year 2016. The study used a structured questionnaire (35 close-ended questions) comprised of six parts: Part I: Demographic information, Part II: Reasons for participation in internship, and Part III to VI: Assessment of information related to academic, professional and personal growth and skills. The study employed descriptive analysis through the use of a questionnaire to evaluate demographic information and central tendencies of the responses. The results of the study depict the analysis of the effect of Field Attachment programmes on the academic, professional and personal growth and skills of the undergraduate students of Makerere University in Uganda, their weaknesses and strengths, and lastly effective recommendations that can be implemented and practiced to better the experience of the undergraduate student whilst taking the exercise. Through the study it was discovered that though relevant and necessary, the Field attachment programmes had slight positive effects to the growth of the undergraduate students, both academically and professionally. Recommendations to better the experience, shared within the study include proper awards and compensations be given to the undergraduate students during their time at the field attachment exercise, and more time be granted to the exercise by the university and training institutions to aid undergraduate students better exploit the benefits of the Field attachment exercise. In conclusion, the researcher observed that if improved, the Field attachment programme can yield better results and prove to be a tool for the betterment and growth of the academic, professional and personal attributes of the undergraduate students.