Compulsory internship: Last minute rule leaves students in lurch

The last minute decision to convert the 24-week internship from optional to compulsory is giving the sixth semester students at PEC University of Technology sleepless nights.

The last minute decision to convert the 24-week internship from optional to compulsory is giving the sixth semester students at PEC University of Technology sleepless nights. Many are yet to get an internship — the demarcated period for which has started from January 1.

As many as 16 students are still trying to get placements. “Despite repeated questions,till this month,the authorities did not spell out whether internship will be compulsory or not,” said a student of electronics engineering. “The process of arranging internship starts in October.”

“As we were informed about the change at the eleventh hour,the seats in almost all companies were filled by students from other engineering institutes,” said a student of electrical engineering.

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“Also,most companies prefer students from the final semester. It is not in favour of companies to train a student who still has two semesters to clear.”

This,when added with the duration of internship,poses a considerable problem. A six-month internship is considered very long by companies. And it is not needed by most engineering institutes,said another student.

Most students of electrical engineering are still waiting for confirmation of internship. The internship system was started in 2008. So far,it was optional. The students who do not opt for internship undertakes the regular classes and examination pattern.

Though there was an increase in the number of students who opted for internship over regular semester in these three years,most feel that it should not be made compulsory. In case it is,they want enough time to get it arranged. The students also say if internship is made compulsory,the institute should not charge them for the semester.

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The stipend offered so far this year has not been impressive when compared with last year. ST Microelectronics has offered the highest stipend — Rs 16,000 a month. Last year,Microsoft had offered Rs 25,000 per month. This year,the company has not visited at all.

Worse,of the nearly 350 who have got placements,just about 50 students will receive a stipend. The rest have got placements with local companies where the work is unpaid. The average stipend is around Rs 8,000 a month,whereas the fees for the semester is Rs 35,000.

Evaluation process of internship at PEC

Total 20 credits

*Credits by industry: 5 (proforma to be filled jointly by industry coordinator and faculty coordinator)

*Credits by faculty coordinator,adjunct faculty or experts or PEC alumni: 5 (Interaction/presentation of student during project semester)

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*Evaluation by department: Final presentation to be made before faculty panel

Report: 4 credits

Presentation: 3 credits

Viva voce: 3 credits

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