The transition from academic learning to professional practice represents a critical milestone in every student’s educational journey. At Wrocław University of Science and Technology, the implementation of e-internships under Work Package 4 of the STEM4Humanities project has transformed this transition into a structured, impactful pathway that connects humanities students with real-world business opportunities.

Strategic Implementation in Stages

The e-internship program at Wrocław Tech was designed with careful attention to both student preferences and market needs. The implementation followed a methodical, multi-stage approach that ensured optimal matching between student interests and business requirements.

In the initial stage, students who had completed the STEM4Humanites MOOC were invited to express their interest in participating in the e-internship program through an online form. They were asked to indicate their preferences regarding internship areas, allowing coordinators to understand student aspirations and match them effectively with available opportunities. The response was overwhelming, 19 students submitted applications, demonstrating strong enthusiasm for applying their newly acquired STEM skills in professional contexts.

The next phase involved extensive outreach to the local business community. Several companies were contacted to explore potential partnerships for hosting e-interns. Three Wrocław-based companies recognized the value of this innovative program and agreed to participate: Quantum Connect, DSpot, and ARAW. These organizations understood that humanities students equipped with STEM competencies bring unique interdisciplinary perspectives that can drive innovation in today’s data-driven business environment.

Diverse Professional Experiences

The e-internships, conducted during August and September, provided students with immersive professional experiences across various business functions. The 18 students who completed the program worked in diverse areas including marketing, market research, and branding—fields where the combination of humanistic thinking and analytical STEM skills proves particularly valuable.

Students applied computational tools for data analysis, developed digital marketing strategies, conducted consumer research using statistical methods, and created data-driven branding recommendations. This hands-on experience allowed them to see firsthand how the STEM competencies they acquired through the course translate into practical business solutions. The e-format of the internships also provided flexibility while maintaining professional standards and clear deliverables.

Notable Outcomes and Continued Opportunities

The success of the e-internship program extended far beyond its formal conclusion, creating lasting impact on students’ professional trajectories. The results speak volumes about the program’s effectiveness and the value that participating companies found in working with STEM4HUMANITIES interns.

Paid Employment Opportunities: Five students who participated in the e-internship program received offers for paid internships from their host companies after the project concluded. This remarkable conversion rate demonstrates that the students delivered genuine value during their e-internships and that the participating companies recognized their potential as future employees. These opportunities provide students with continued professional development and potential pathways to full-time employment.

Extended Portfolio Building: Eleven students from the cohort seized additional opportunities to strengthen their professional portfolios by participating in a second short internship during Made In Wrocław, a prominent local initiative. This achievement highlights students’ motivation and the confidence they gained through their initial e-internship experience. Having multiple internship experiences significantly enhances their competitiveness in the job market and demonstrates sustained commitment to professional growth. During the Made in Wroclaw, students also go a chance to promote their achievements to the participants and interact with them during the multiplier event. 

Formal Recognition: All participating students received dual certification recognizing their achievements. Each intern was presented with a certificate of internship completion from their respective host company, providing official documentation of their professional experience and contributions. Additionally, Wrocław University of Science and Technology awarded certificates acknowledging students’ comprehensive journey, from successfully completing the STEM4HUMANITIES MOOC course through to finishing their e-internship. This dual recognition carries substantial weight on curricula vitae and demonstrates to future employers that students possess both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills.

Building Bridges Between Academia and Industry

The e-internship program represents a successful model of university-industry collaboration that benefits all stakeholders. For students, it provides invaluable professional experience, networking opportunities, and often leads to employment. For participating companies, it offers access to talented, interdisciplinary-minded individuals who bring fresh perspectives and current academic knowledge. For the university, it validates the effectiveness of the STEM4HUMANITIES curriculum and strengthens ties with the regional business community.

The willingness of Quantum Connect, DSpot, and ARAW to invest time and resources in mentoring e-interns reflects growing recognition among employers that humanities graduates with STEM skills represent a valuable talent pool. These companies understood that the ability to combine critical thinking, cultural awareness, and communication skills (traditional humanities strengths) with data literacy, computational thinking, and analytical capabilities (STEM competencies) creates professionals uniquely equipped for modern business challenges.

The STEM4HUMANITIES e-internship experience has proven that with the right preparation, support, and opportunities, humanities students can successfully apply STEM methodologies in professional contexts, and excel in doing so.