INTERNSHIP AS A CAREER NAVIGATION TOOL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of the research is due to the imbalance of the modern Russian labor market, manifested in a paradoxical combination of an acute shortage of personnel with difficulties in finding graduates in their specialty. There is a gap between educational institutions and the needs of the real sector of the economy. The purpose of the study: a sociological and pedagogical analysis of the internship institute as a tool for expanding the career opportunities of young people and overcoming this structural imbalance.

Materials and methods. The methodological basis was made up of a comparative analysis of regulatory documents and expert publications to differentiate the concepts of «practice» and «internship», as well as data from the sociological study «Assessment of youth career Opportunities» conducted by the authors in December 2024 among 1,173 students and graduates of professional educational organizations and higher education institutions aged 18-28 years.

Results. The key differences between the mechanisms of «practices» and «internships» have been identified. Although «practice» remains the most popular format of interaction between an educational organization and an employer, «internship» is considered by young people as a form of independent career development. The motivational attitude of young people to the issue of internships has been presented: in addition to the utilitarian task of gaining experience, the internship performs a compensatory function to fill the gaps in formal education.; as well as reflexive, aimed at checking one's own professional aptitude and identity. The priority of career growth over the salary level has been revealed, which indicates a shift in the value orientations of motivated youth from a focus on short-term financial gain towards a long-term focus on professional development.

Discussion. The sociological and pedagogical analysis of internships as an emerging socio-educational institution is important for scientific discourse. The results obtained serve as a guideline for employers in designing effective internship programs; for educational organizations – in the need for greater flexibility and integration with the real sector; for the state – in the need for variable support for this institution. The research prospects are related to conducting longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effects of internships and other practice-oriented training tools.