Examining the satisfaction of students receiving education in the field of civil aviation during the internship process: Field application in universities

This study aims to examine the internship experiences of students studying in the field of civil aviation and determine how these experiences vary according to demographic and environmental variables. Specifically, it evaluates whether students' satisfaction with their internships differs based on who found the internship placement, the number of employees in the organization, and the students' socio-demographic characteristics. The research utilizes quantitative methods and employs a survey technique. Data were collected from 440 individuals using the survey method and analyzed through the SPSS program. Upon analyzing the findings, it was observed that students' satisfaction levels with their internships significantly varied depending on who found the internship placement. Internships provided by the school helped students start the process more prepared, contributing to a more organized and supervised experience. Furthermore, the number of employees in the host organization was found to impact students' satisfaction levels. Internships conducted in large-scale corporate organizations provided students with a more professional learning environment, leading to higher satisfaction levels among students in these settings. Students' educational level and field of study were also identified as key factors influencing the quality of their internship experiences. The research findings suggest that as students' educational level increases, the benefits they derive from their internships also increase, and their attitudes toward the sector become more mature and realistic. The study highlights that the contribution of vocational education to the internship process differs depending on both the party responsible for finding the internship placement and the individual characteristics of the students. It was found that the sufficient development of the applied aspects of vocational education facilitates students' adaptation to the work environment and helps them integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience.