Krause, Amanda (2026) Building Professional Capabilities through Research-Based, Work-Integrated Learning: The JCU Undergraduate Research Internship. In: WIL Australia Conference Abstract Book. From: WIL Australia Conference 2026, 18-20 October 2026, Adelaide, SA, Australia.

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Abstract

The James Cook University Undergraduate Research Internship (URI) is a research-based Work-Integrated Learning program designed to equip students with the capabilities required of healthcare professionals. The annual program pairs undergraduate students with staff-researchers based on their skill development and research area preferences. Paired samples t-tests performed pre-post program survey data indicated that URI participants rated their perceived confidence, communication skills, self-direction abilities, and critical thinking skills significantly higher after their participation compared to before taking part in the URI. Further, qualitative data indicates that the mentor-mentee relationship is fundamental to the observed growth in professional identity and confidence: students expressed that the URI provided a relationship that broadened their network and made future possibilities real, with confidence transferring from mentors to students. By engaging in real-world research, the URI breaks down discipline participation hurdles and shifts students’ perceptions about the value of research skills to their professional careers. The student-participants gain not only an appreciation for research but also the skills and identity needed to work as a healthcare professional. The URI offers a template for designing research-based WIL programs, with implications to improve practices in the broader, tertiary healthcare sciences education space designed to support developing undergraduate students’ graduate competencies and professional identities.

Item ID:	94445
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Keywords:	scholarship of learning and teaching, scholarship of teaching and learning, SoTL, SoLT, undergraduate research experience, URE, student-staff partnership, student supervision, confidence, research supervision, undergraduate research internship, work-integrated learning, WIL
Related URLs:	https://wilaustraliaconference.com.au/
Date Deposited:	23 Oct 2026 00:42
FoR Codes:	52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5201 Applied and developmental psychology > 520102 Educational psychology @ 100%
SEO Codes:	28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280121 Expanding knowledge in psychology @ 50% 16 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 1601 Learner and learning > 160102 Higher education @ 50%
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