The benefits of internship for students of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science and their absorption by the labour market

Authors

  • Eleni Spyridopoulou Democritus University of Thrace
  • Georgia Yfantidou Democritus University of Thrace

Keywords:

internship, training, development, human resources, university, DPESS-DUTh, COVID-19

Abstract

Internships can foster educational alliances between the industry (business environment) and academic institutions, facilitating both flexibility and accelerated innovation. The purpose of this research is to identify the factors that determine Human Resource Training (HRT) through the implementation of the internship program of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (DPESS) at Democritus University of Thrace, as well as to explore the absorption potential of students in the labor market. This study also investigates the impact of the COVID-19 eras on the factors of human resource training and examines the correlation between the two variables "Recruitment in the specialization" and "COVID Eras." The sample consisted of 251 TEFAA students (126 males and 125 females) who participated in internships as part of the implementation of the project "Internship for students of DUTh" during the academic years 2015-2016 to 2021-2022. For the needs of the research, a new questionnaire comprising 70 questions was developed. The results revealed ten factors for human resource training, each of which was tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha, which was found to be high (α= .969). Specifically, the factors identified were: Learning Outcomes, Efficiency, Emotional Commitment, Satisfaction, Participation, Empowerment, Role Ambiguity, Role Conflict, Supervisor, and Cooperation. The findings indicate that students from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at DUTh have a high absorption rate in the labor market within their field, confirming their excellent preparation and the importance of the Department's internship programs. The mandatory nature of the internship significantly contributes to this high absorption by businesses. Furthermore, education enhances employee satisfaction and commitment, promoting their personal development and selfesteem.

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Published

2025-06-17

How to Cite

Spyridopoulou, E., & Yfantidou, G. (2025). The benefits of internship for students of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science and their absorption by the labour market. Exercise and Society, 1, 661–672. Retrieved from https://ojs.itlabs.duth.gr/index.php/ExSoc/article/view/581

Issue

Vol. 1 (2025): Special Issue 76

Section

PART III: SCIENTIFIC SELECTIONS BY THE FACULTY MEMBERS OF THE D.P.E.S.S.–D.U.ThH

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