Assessment of Generic Competencies in Civil Engineering Students during Preprofessional Internships

Pre-professional internships are crucial in training civil engineering students, as they foster the development of generic competencies essential for professional success and workplace adaptability. This study assessed these competencies using a quantitative, descriptive, and correlational approach with a cross-sectional design through an adapted and validated Work Experience Questionnaire (WEQ) version. Ninety-five students from the seventh and eighth levels at Salesian Polytechnic University were surveyed, focusing on Clear Goals, Workplace Support, University Support, and Generic Competencies. The instrument's reliability was confirmed with high Cronbach's alpha values (>0.90), and exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) supported its structural validity. The findings revealed that Clear Goals (r = 0.867) and Workplace Support (r = 0.838) significantly influence the development of generic competencies. In contrast, University Support (r = 0.690) showed a moderate effect. The multiple regression analysis corroborated these results. This study highlights the need for an integrated academic and workplace environment to maximize the impact of internships on the training of future civil engineers. A collaborative approach between universities and companies would not only facilitate the alignment of learning objectives with the demands of the labour market. However, it would also allow students to receive more structured and continuous support during their practical experience.