Exploring the role of internship experience on career decision-making among psychology majors at Makerere University

Abstract

Internships are a critical component of psychology training, providing students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and develop professional competencies. At Makerere University, internships have long been integrated into the psychology curriculum; however, limited empirical evidence exists on how these experiences shape students‘ career decision-making. In this study, I examined how internship experiences influence career clarity, confidence, and commitment among psychology majors. Guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), the study employed a qualitative phenomenological design to explore the lived experiences of 12 third-year psychology students who completed internships during the 2024/2025 academic year. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that students were placed in diverse settings, including hospitals, NGOs, government agencies, and corporate organizations. Meaningful learning occurred through hands-on tasks such as counseling, mentorship, administrative work, and community engagement. Supportive supervision enhanced selfefficacy, while challenges such as transport costs, limited resources, and inconsistent supervision acted as contextual barriers. Overall, internship experiences significantly shaped students‘ career decisions by strengthening their confidence, refining their interests, and aligning their goals with realistic career pathways. I conclude that internships serve as transformative learning experiences that bridge theory and practice. The findings highlight the need for improved supervision, better facilitation, and intentional placement processes to maximize the benefits of internship training for psychology students in Uganda.