Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of Master in Personnel Psychology (MPP) students of the University of Ibadan, who had partaken in practicum on the benefits and challenges of practicum. Study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Three (3) research questions were raised and answered in the study. A total of forty (40) MPP students who were participants in the study, responded to a researcher-developed instrument, the “Personnel Psychology Practicum Assessment Scale (PPPAS)” (r =0.95) used to collect data. The instrument was divided into four sections of A, B, C and D, with a total of 20 items. Each item was assigned a value of 2: Agree; and 1: Disagree. Data were analysed using simple percentages. The results revealed that all respondents agreed that internship had a lot of benefits for students. Findings also revealed that participants agreed that they faced a lot of challenges during their internship. Respondents also registered their suggestions on how the challenges faced by student interns could be overcome to make the internship more effective, among which is that little financial rewards be paid to interns. It is recommended from the study findings, among others, that the university should be actively involved in assisting students in getting their internship placement, that aappropriate arrangement should be made by the practicum committee to ensure that students are posted to organisations where they are most needed, and that there is need for organisations accepting the interns to pay the interns a small token for the duration of their stay.