Internship Values: Islamic Higher Educations (IHEs) Students' Motives

Abstract

This study investigates the motivational factors underlying students’ participation in internship programs within Islamic Higher Education Institutions (IHEs) in Indonesia. As internships become increasingly central to graduate employability, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has implemented the Prima Magang initiative to enhance student readiness for the workforce through practical experience, digital literacy, and professional mentorship. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 249 IHEs students across eight regencies in Banten Province. The study examined four core variables influencing internship engagement: economic values, work readiness, Islamic values (morality and spirituality), and networking and connection motives. Data were analysed using path analysis with LISREL 8.8 to explore the relationships among these variables. Findings reveal that Islamic values exert the most significant and positive influence on students’ networking and connection development, serving as a key mediating factor between economic and professional motives. Economic values showed a negative yet significant correlation, while work readiness demonstrated an insignificant effect on networking outcomes. These results highlight the centrality of spiritual and moral dimensions in shaping students’ professional identity and social engagement during internships. The study underscores the importance of aligning academic curricula with labor market needs while integrating Islamic ethical principles to foster holistic employability. Ultimately, internship programs in IHEs not only enhance students’ economic and professional competencies but also cultivate ethical awareness and social responsibility within the broader context of Islamic education.