Guidance Notes for Students on

Internship
[Course HIT 301]

Amended 23/11/06 SPC

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

________________________________________________________________
THE COURSE HIT 301: INTERNSHIP
Degree Programmes at the Harare Institute of Technology have the course HIT 301 Internship
adapted in place of the common term Industrial Attachment.
The course enables the student to gain practical experience in his or her technological area of
specialization under professional supervision in a working environment. Internship for HIT
undergraduate students is mandatory and is assessed.
Internship is taken in the second semester of Part III of all the technological programmes and is
guided by the general regulations of HIT with regards conduct and assessment. The Internship
course is indicated on students registration forms when students register for Part III courses.
What are these Guidance Notes For?
This booklet will:1. Set out the procedures which we ask you to follow while you are employed during the
Internship period, to enable you to fulfill the requirements for the award of the BTech Degree
programme area you are undertaking at Harare Institute of Technology.
2. Provide you with copies of the documentation to be completed by your employer during that
period and guidance on the other requirements that you have to fulfill.
3. Inform you on the assessment procedure during Industrial Attachment to include what to
expect when a lecturer [internship supervisor] visits you during that period for the purpose of
assessment.
You will be allocated an internship supervisor, a member of the academic staff of HIT, who will
visit the company on at least two occasions. During the visit the supervisor will typically talk
separately both with you and the supervisor assigned by the employing organization. The
purpose of the visits is to maintain contact with you and the employer and to asses your overall
performance and progress.

1.0

PREAMBLE

These Guidance Notes have been put together as a source of practical advice for Bachelor of
Technology students at the Harare Institute of Technology.
It should also be noted that through internship students are given real jobs in a real job
environment with all the attachment challenges, responsibilities and problems that entail.
Internship for each programme is unique, as it emphasizes on work related learning relevant to
the understanding of lecture theory and course of the discipline.
It is mandatory for students enrolled all programmes offered by HIT to go for Internship for not
less than 30 weeks after completion of the first semester Part III of their study programme.
Internship is practical course, which is assessed after Part III of the programmes offered by HIT.
HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

Students enrolled at HIT should be aware that their department, through the Internship
Coordinator and the Chairman, has the responsibility to ensure that the student is attached and
will supervise and assess the student though liaison with management at the place of internship.
In this guideline the member of staff visiting the student on internship shall be referred to as the
Internship Supervisor.
Students enrolled in HIT technological programmes also have a project course HIT 400
Capstone Design Project in Part IV all programmes. This is a final year project that the student
starts to consider during the internship period. The Institute encourages the students to take
project work related to issues of concern at their place of internship, as this enables the student
to have direct supervision, access to resources, materials and facilities that might be necessary
during the investigation work undertaken in the project.
It is expected that management at the place of internship will task one of its senior personnel to
be the supervisor of the student during the period of internship.
It is envisaged that Internship enables:
1. The student to work with others, value team effort and learn that other people are
essential if the objectives of the organization are to be achieved.
2. The student to have an opportunity to have a hand at the different tasks in the different
departments in a working environment, thereby developing a repertoire of skills
necessary in a multi-operational organization such as in productive industries.
3. The student to undertake a project under supervision thereby reflecting on the theory
learnt in lecture rooms as he/she tries to solve or explain a practical problem or situation.
Needless to say that this reflective practice is the essential ingredient for innovative work.
4. The student to have an opportunity for supervision in which the student is responsible
primarily for the duties of other people thereby giving the student a golden opportunity to
test his/her managerial potential.

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

2.0
2.1

GENERAL ACADEMIC REGULATIONS ON INTERNSHIP

Programmes at the Institute shall normally include thirty (30) weeks of

supervised Internship approved by the appropriate Department Board, in the
penultimate year of the undergraduate course.
2.1.1 The implementation of Internship programme shall be as provided by
Faculty/School Regulations.
2.1.2 Assessment of the Internship programme will be carried out in accordance
with the following regulations:
2.2.1 To obtain an overall pass, a student must pass both the continuous
assessment and the final assessment components of the Internship;
2.2.2 A student who fails the continuous assessment components will be
required to repeat Internship;
2.2.3 The overall assessment shall be as follows: 50% continuous assessment and 50% final assessment;
2.2.4 The continuous assessment mark shall be determined by the
Department Board Examiners from the marks awarded by the
industrial and academic supervisors on the appropriate forms;
2.2.5 The final assessment mark shall be determined on the basis of the
final report assessment 30% and oral presentation assessment 20%;
2.2.6 Two copies of the final report in a form approved by the Institute
must be submitted to the Department within two weeks of the end
of the lecture period for the second semester of the academic year;
2.2.7 A student who fails to meet the required date for submission of the
final report will normally be considered to have failed the final
assessment.
2.2.8 A student who fails the final assessment but has passed the
continuous assessment component may be allowed to resubmit the
Internship report within two months and be reassessed. Unless
otherwise determined by Senate, the maximum mark allowed for
such referred work shall be 45%.
2.2.9 The General Academic Regulations on repeat, discontinue and
withdraw shall apply to Internship.
2, 3

A student who fails the Internship component shall not proceed to the final
year of the Degree Programme.

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

_____________________________________________________________
2.4

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2.4.1 The student is subject to Institute and company regulations during

Internship.
2.4.2 The student is expected to: i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)

Conform to the companys regulations, working time and discipline;

fulfill the supervisors instructions concerning the training process
and carrying out of the industrial research project;
complete a logbook on a daily basis and submit a report after
finishing the training in a given department (or training unit);
take part only with educational purpose in mind according to the
ultimate instructions of the supervisor;
put his/her best efforts to acquire extensive knowledge and skills in
order to achieve required standard of training;
keep good relations with all the staff of the company;
promote the good name of the Institute.

2.4.3 The choice of a company for the Internship will not be based on any
probable monetary benefits the students may stand to gain.
2.4.4 The student must always bear in mind his/her conduct during the
Internship period will reflect not only on him/her but also on Harare
Institute of Technology and that it may also affect considerably the
future Internship placements and the relationship between the
Institute and the company.
______________________________________________________________________________

2.5

GUIDELINES FOR THE INDUSTRY ON THE TREATMENT OF THE

STUDENT DURING THE INTERNSHIP.

______________________________________________________________________________
2.5.1 The student will be subject to the companys regulations and is
expected to function like a full time employee of the company.
2.5.2 For the period of the Internship, the student will have a student
allowance, an insurance and medical aid cover from the Institute.
2.5.3 The company is requested to provide the student every opportunity
to function like a full-time employee and permit him/her to actively
participate in all aspects of the business including management and
administration except where confidentiality constraints may not
permit his/her participation.

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

2.5.4 Wherever possible, the company is requested to assist the student

by providing welfare measures such as providing help in finding
suitable accommodation close to the company, access to canteen
facilities, company transport facilities, etc.
2.5.5 The General Academic Regulations on repeat discontinue and
withdrawal shall apply to Internship.

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
3.5 What is expected of a HIT undergraduate on Internship?
The Internship is the period within which the HIT undergraduate student acquaints
with practical work related to his or her area of specialty thereby applying all
theoretical knowledge learnt in Part I, II and semester I Part III of their technological
programme.
Depending on the nature of the technological degree being pursued, departments
may guide the students on specific technological areas to be studied in the identified
places of internship.
3.6 Specific set objectives:
It should be understood that the internship for HIT students is rather more technical
as is the nature of HIT technological programmes and it is envisaged that the
students be able to accomplish the following during the period of attachment:
1. Acquaint with basic technological equipment, manufacturing processes and
production in an industrial environment.
2.

Acquire practical knowledge of basic principles learnt on the technological

degree area being studied.

3. Be able to apply knowledge of technology design and innovation in the

context of the specialty being studied and the internship placement
manufacturing activities.
4. Fulfill all requirements for the internship course as outlined in this document
ensuring that the following forms are submitted in time to the relevant
department at Harare Institute of Technology:

Outline Programme Form HIT301/IF/01

Students Induction Checklist Form HIT301/IF/02
Students Health Profile Check Form HIT/IF/03
Employers Assessment Form HIT/IF/04
Students Self Assessment Report

5. Be able to make self assessment of practical knowledge acquired and

identify areas of improvement.
6. Learn the various roles of a technologist in a processing and manufacturing
organization, itinerary and modus operandi.

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

7. Be able to come up with a project which envisages solving a

technological problem or investigate efficiency of an identified
process with the aim of improving it or designing a new technique.
8. Be able to produce a comprehensive report of what was learnt
during the attachment period.

4.0

ASSESSMENT DURING INTERNSHIP

The student is assessed both by the company in which he/she is attached and
the Institute. The Institute sends an Internship supervisor who is an academic
member of staff from the HIT. The student under internship has a standing
supervisor at the company of attachment and he/she is involved in the
assessment of the student.
Assessment of the internship work takes place via three elements:

One employers assessment form

One students self assessment report
One Internship supervisors report

[Please Note: The student has to keep a logbook, which should be produced
upon request]
The following procedure of assessment applies for the internship programme and
applies to all undergraduate programmes.
Internship Period: Semester 11
FORM OF ASSESSMENT

DUE DATE

% OF FINAL ASSESSMENT
MARK

Employers assessment form

20
Internship Supervisors
assessment form.
Students report

30
30

Oral Presentations
TOTAL

20
100

Employers Assessment Form HIT 301/IF/04

At the beginning of the attachment the student in consultation with the
supervisor at the place of attachment will fill in the Outline Programme
Form HIT 301/IF/01.

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

This form is foremost in the assessment procedure [Refer to appendix 1].

The employers assessment form is filled by the employer [Refer to
appendix 2] and assesses the performance at the work place, their selfdevelopment, performance targets and evidence of achievement during
the attachment period.
Students Report
This is one of the most crucial written works prepared by the student to
show how he/she has learnt during internship. The report should be done
considering
The log book that the student has to keep
Outline programme agreed upon at the beginning of the attachment
The overall objectives of the internship based on the study
programme being pursued at HIT [read the beginning of the
Guidance Notes for Students]
The report should not be less than 10 typed A4, single spaced pages. In
this report students should provide a detailed and analytical extension of
the work placement emphasizing how elements of their degree can be
expected to draw upon their academic learning in order to critically
evaluate the companys operations and their performance.
It should be a factual report covering:1. Work done and practical knowledge acquired. Critical assessment
of the experimental learning gained from the internship.
Identification analysis of any difference between theory studied
and the operational practices perceived. [This section is the key
to the quality of the report].
2. Principle products /services and their characteristics in which the
student reports the technological outline of the establishment in
line with his / her area of specialisation.
3. Identification of special opportunities and problems faced and the
means adopted for exploiting and overcoming these during the
attachment.
4. Description and analysis of the performance criteria and targets
set for the attachment programme.

5.0

AT THE START OF THE INTERNSHIP

(a) Give a copy of the Employers handbook to the person who will be
responsible for you during internship.

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

(b) Within a week of commencing work complete the Student Induction checklist
and Health Profile forms.
(c) Your employer will agree with you (soon after joining them) an outline
programme of the jobs, activities, training e.t.c that you will be required to
complete for at least an initial period of time (refer to appendix).
(d) Try to set yourself specific, self-learning objectives for the placement, and
match those to the specific work to be done.

JUST BEFORE YOUR INTERNSHIP SUPERVISOR PAYS A VISIT TO

YOUR PLACE OF INTERNSHIP

Prepare your report or whatever you would have written since joining the
organization and have your outline programme ready!

Be ready to discuss the progress of your report.

On the visit your internship supervisor will review your progress and performance
with you and your employer and if necessary, will assist with drawing up a further
outline programme for your next period of employment.
The internship
supervisor will establish whether another visit is appropriate.

7 WHAT THE EMPLOYER IS ASKED TO DO

1. Confirm receiving the students health profile form.
2. Ensure that you are given the necessary instruction/information within a
week of beginning work to enable you to complete the Student Induction
Checklist.
3. Assign a member of the employing organization to act as your supervisor.
4. When you join the organization, to develop an outline programme for you
of the jobs, activities, training etc that you are required to complete for the
initial period at least.
5. Prior to the visit by the Internship Supervisor, complete an employers
assessment form. In addition, your employer should approve your
students report.
6. Before the end of your attachment period, to read your report for
approval. It is acceptable for your supervisor simply to sign and date the
final page of the report, to indicate that the work is acceptable.
7. Communicate to the school / faculty administrator, Harare Institute of
Technology, or Internship Co-ordinator of the department, matters that
may arise not already covered by the normal communication process.

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

10

APPENDICES
Outline programme form HIT301/IF/01
Students Induction Checklist Form
HIT301/IF/02
Students Health Profile Check Form
HIT301/IF/03
Employers Assessment Form
HIT301/IF/04

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

11

HIT301-INTERNSHIP
PROGRAMME

OUTLINE PROGRAMME FORM HIT 301/IF/01

(To be filled for every month of internship)
The following schedule outlines the proposed programme of the training which the student will
follow during his/her internship. This covers the first period from the students starting date of
employment. The employer in agreement with the institute student supervisor should assign
students to the training activities, indicate month of training and confirm by signature and
endorsement of company official stamp.
Function Area

Proposed
Training/Experience/Project

Approximate Time Span of

Training/Dates

Month of Training & Year

Company Supervisor Internship Supervisor.................................
Student Name & Registration No .
Chairman Department..

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

12

Date and Official Stamp

HIT 301-INTERNSHIP
PROGRAMME

STUDENTS INDUCTION CHECKLIST FORM HIT 301/IF/02

Name of Student.. Start Date
The following items should be included in your induction into the company of internship.
preferably on your first day. Please check off the items below when they occur and inform your
supervisor of any items not covered within one week of the start of your internship. The list is not
exhaustive and other topics may be covered, which you may not if you wish so.
TASK
Introduction to key staff members of and their roles explained
Location of toilet facilities, canteen and rest room.
Lunch, tea and coffee arrangements
Place of work
Companys Regulations/Secrecy Acts/Policies.
Dress code
How to answer the telephone. Transfer calls and make calls both internally
and externally.

DATE

HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES

Emergency procedures
Safety policy received or location known
Location of first aid box
First aid arrangements
Fire procedures and location of fire extinguishers
Accident reporting and location of accident book
Manual handling procedures
Industrial safety regulations
Instruction on equipment you will be using

DATE

..
Internship Supervisor; Signature
.
Company Supervisor; Signature

.
Date
..
Date

Date & Stamp ..

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

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HIT 301- INTERNSHIP

PROGRAMME

STUDENTS HEALTH & PROFILE CHECK FORM HIT 301/IF//03

[A] STUDENT ATTACHMENT DETAILS
STUDENTS FIRST NAMES & SURNAME:.
STUDENTS REGISTRATION NO.: ...
DEGREE PROGRAMME & PART: .
COMPANY SUPERVISOR:
PERIOD OF INTERNSHIP: .
[B] HEALTH PROFILE
MEDICAL AID SOCIETY & NUMBER: ..
TYPE:
DO YOU HAVE ANY DRUG ALLERGIES? YES/NO
IF YES GIVE DETAILS:...
DO YOU HAVE ANY MEDIAL CONDITION THAT NEEDS CONSTANT MEDICAL ATTENTION?
YES/NO:
IF YES GIVE DETAILS: .
...
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ADVISED BY A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER TO LIMIT EXCESSIVE
PHYSICAL WORK? YES/NO:
IF YES GIVE DETAILS: .

DO YOU HAVE ANY RELIGIOUS COMMITMENTS THAT MIGHT AFFECT YOUR WORKING
SCHEDULE DURING INTERNSHIP? YES/NO:
E.G.: RELIGION DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO WORK ON FRIDAY OR RELIGION DOES NOT
ALLOW YOU TO HANDLE PORK PRODUCTS OR RELIGION REQUIRES YOU TO ATTEND TO
PRAYERS DURING WORKING HOURS.
IF YES GIVE DETAILS: ..
.

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

14

INDICATE WITH A YES OR NO IF YOU HAVE EVER BEEN DIAGNOSED TO SUFFER FROM
THE FOLLOWING AILMENTS:
DIABETES
BLOOD PRESSURE
HYPERTENSION
HEART DISEASE
TUBERCULOSIS
HEPATITIS: A OR B OR C

YES/NO
YES/NO
YES/NO
YES/NO
YES/NO
YES/NO

IF ANY OF THE ABOVE ANSWERS IS YES GIVE DETAILS:

.
ARE YOU PRESENTLY ON ANY MEDICATION? YES/NO
WILL THIS MEDICINE AFFECT YOU IN ANY WAY DURING YOUR INTERNSHIP? YES/NO
IS THERE ANY HEALTH ISSUE YOU WOULD WANT YOUR INTERNSHIP EMPLOYER AND
THE HARARE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TO KNOW? YES/NO
IF YES GIVE DETAILS:

The above provided information is true to the best of my knowledge:

Students Signature: Date:

Checked by the Work Supervisor before forwarding to Harare Institute of Technology

Supervisors Signature:.. Date:

Received at the Department, Harare Institute of Technology

Internship Co-ordinator /Chairperson: .
(Signature &Date & Official Stamp)

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

15

HIT 301-INTERNSHIP
PROGRAMME

EMPLOYERS ASSESSMENT FORM HIT 301/IF/04

STUDENTS FULL NAME: ..
STUDENTS REGISTRATION NUMBER:
NAME OF EMPLOYER: ..
DEPARTMENT ATTACHED: .
DATE OF ASSESSMENT: ...
STUDENTS JOB TITLE:
NAME OF SUPERVISOR:
HAS THE STUDENT PROVIDED YOU WITH A SELF DEVELOPMENT PLAN OR SET GOALS
HE/SHE INTENDS TO ACCOMPLISH DURING THE PERIOD OF INTERNSHIP? YES/NO
IF YES WERE THE SET OBJECTIVES REALISTIC AND CHALLENGING? YES/NO
PLEASE PROVIDE COMMENTS ON THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES
AS THEY MAY HAVE AFFECTED THE STUDENTS PERFORMANCE

.............................................................
HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE STUDENTS BEHAVIOUR?
EXCEPTIONAL/GOOD/SATISFACTORY/POOR
HOW HAS BEEN THE STUDENTS PUNCTUALITY TO WORK?
EXCEPTIONAL/GOOD/SATISFACTORY/POOR
In the table kindly asses the student by making a tick in the appropriate column according to the
criteria of assessment considered. It is assumed the assessor makes a general assessment for
the whole period of INTERNSHIP under review.

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

16

Criteria

Poor

Marginal

Satisfactory

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

Highly
Competent

Excellent

Outstanding

17

%guide
Score Points

<40%
0

45%

55%
65%
2
3
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

75%
4

>75%
5

Self Confidence
Drive & Self
Discipline
Dependability
Adaptability
Initiative
QUALITY OF WORK
Task Fulfillment
Volume of Work
Accuracy
Thoroughness
Management of
Time
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Oral
Communication
Written
Communication
Compliance with
Authority
Team/Cooperation
Leadership
Potential
INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES
Learning Capacity
Problem
Identification
Problem Analysis
Problem Solving
Judgment
Total Score
Points per
Column

Overall Score of Points (i.e. sum of total points per column) ...

WORK SUPERVISORS ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENTS REPORT

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

18

Having read the students report on internship at your establishment, how do you rate the
following assessment areas:ASSESSMENT AREA
How do you rate the students performance regards identifying and
addressing the relevant issues i.e. the overall structure and coherence of
the report
How do you rate the students performance regards evidence of data
collection and analysis e.g. information on the organization/company of
attachment and use of this information within the report.
How would you rate the students performance regards communication
skill used in compiling the report.
How do you rate the students ability to apply theoretical knowledge in
understanding or solving issues related to the efficient running of the
organization/company.

OVERALL INTERNSHIP PERFORMANCE RATING:

For the period of INTERNSHIP you have had with our student, how do you rate his/her
performance on the overall. Please tick appropriately.
UNSATISFACTORY
Performance below minimum level necessary
MARGINAL
Performing at a minimum level
SATISFACTORY
Most job requirements met
HIGHLY COMPETENT
All job requirements met
EXCELLENT
Exceeded all job requirements in a highly efficient manner
OUTSTANDING
All job requirements substantially exceeded
Signature of Work Supervisor . Date .....

Received and Checked at the Department, HIT

Internship Supervisor Date & Official Stamp

HIT301-Internship; Guidance Notes for Undergraduate Students

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