| Summary: | This paper examines the socialization experience of temporary work placement students within their companies. A major reason behind this dissertation is that no previous research has so far been dedicated to the topic and tried to explore how the socialization of temporary employees differs from that of permanent ones and how employers could improve the experience which their internship students go through.
This study reveals that the most important factors which contribute to a successful socialization in this case are firstly an appropriate level of responsibility, based on trust, and secondly enough practical, or in other words work related, as well as moral, or in other words friendship related support. Finally a minimum amount of positive expectations concerning the future career of the employee with his or her temporary employer are also required to ensure dedication from both, the employee's and the employer's side.
A second major finding indicates that what constitutes a successful socialization outcome for temporary work placement students differs from what is generally seen as successful for permanent employees. Indeed in the latter case successfully socialized employees become company insiders and are treated equally to their colleagues, in this special case however, even those temporary internship absolvents with positive experiences do not reach the full status of an insider. Instead they temporarily leave behind their student, or in other words outsider identities and take on the roles of an intern, which enables them to be viewed as potential future insiders and as active learners and therefore ideally helps them to be treated in a special way and be supported by their colleagues.
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