Students' Perceptions of Key Competencies Supporting Work-Integrated Learning

In this paper we explore the perception that industrial organization engineering students had after facing a compulsory, long-duration practicum oriented to develop key professional skills as management, analysis, diagnosis, resolution and organization of production and management and business administration in real professional environments. Specifically, we seek to explore the competencies and input provided to these students during their training stage as an Air Control and Defense Officer at the Spanish Air Force. In this case, the degree syllabus was designed so that the students could acquire the competencies related to industrial engineering, telecommunications, electronics or management linked to this profession. The study was based on the 141 students' feedback as well as the assessment by the professional mentors and the academic faculty. Results revealed that transversal competencies (also known as cross-curricular or soft competencies) are crucial. According to students' perceptions, competencies related to problem solving, team integration, communication and management play a major role for them to become successful in the practicum. In addition, 92% of these students held the view that the competencies acquired during the degree subjects helped them to finish the practicum satisfactorily. They valued the new knowledge and aptitudes they received during the process.