In today’s competitive job market, academic qualifications alone are no longer enough to secure meaningful employment. Employers increasingly look for graduates who not only possess theoretical knowledge but also practical workplace experience, adaptability, and professional skills. Recognizing this need, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has made internships a mandatory component under the Undergraduate Education Policy (UEP V 1.1). Every Bachelor of Science (BS) student must complete a six to eight-week internship after the fourth semester in order to graduate.

The Career and Internship Framework to facilitate the implementation of Undergraduate Education Policy (V 1.1) provides universities with structured guidelines to implement this requirement effectively. It is not just an administrative formality; rather, it is a transformative process designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world professional practice.

When combined with industry-led initiatives like the PNP Internship Program by the Press Network of Pakistan, this framework becomes more impactful, practical, and career-focused.

Why Internships Matter

Internships serve as a bridge between education and employment. They provide students with:

Practical Exposure: It immerse students in real workplace environments where they learn to deal with practical challenges and organizational dynamics.
Skill Development: Students develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities while sharpening technical skills related to their field.
Professional Networking: Interns build valuable industry contacts and relationships that can serve as references or future career opportunities.
Career Exploration: By working in diverse environments, students gain clarity about their career preferences and future goals.
Employability Advantage: Graduates with internship experience often have a significant edge in the job market compared to those without hands-on exposure.

According to the HEC, it can be paid or unpaid, and they may be on-site (physically present at the organization) or virtual (remote work). Regardless of type, all internships must meet the core requirements outlined by the framework.

Institutional Framework: Internship Office

To ensure smooth implementation, universities are required to establish an Internship Office, usually housed under the Undergraduate Student Office (USO). This office plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between students, faculty, and host institutions.

Key responsibilities include:

Developing an internship policy aligned with HEC guidelines.
Nominating internship coordinators and faculty supervisors.
Identifying host institutions and signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for placements.
Arranging student placements and assigning site supervisors.
Maintaining complete student records and evaluation reports.
Organizing expos, workshops, and recruitment drives.
Collecting student feedback for continuous improvement.

By acting as a central hub, the Office ensures transparency, fairness, and efficiency in managing internship opportunities.

Host Institutions

The framework defines a host institution as any organization that partners with a university to provide internship opportunities. These could include:

Government offices at local, provincial, or national levels.
Autonomous bodies or departments of government agencies.
Private enterprises, both industrial and commercial.
Academic institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The Press Network of Pakistan, registered with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Islamabad, has emerged as a vital host institution by offering internships in media, communications, journalism, and digital technologies. Its collaboration with universities under the HEC framework ensures students gain meaningful industry exposure.

Such collaborations not only benefit students but also allow host organizations to identify and train future employees.

Supervisors: Faculty and Site

Two types of supervisors ensure that internships remain structured and meaningful:

Faculty Supervisor:
- Assigned by the Head of Department.
- Provides academic guidance and monitors the student’s progress.
- Reviews student reports, activity logs, and evaluations from the site supervisor.
- Plays a key role in the final evaluation of the intern.
Site Supervisor:
- Assigned by the host institution.
- Provides workplace orientation, guidance, and feedback.
- Evaluates performance every three weeks.
- Ensures students receive meaningful work experience.

This dual-supervision system ensures that internships are not treated as routine tasks but as structured learning opportunities.

Role of Student-Interns

Students themselves carry the most responsibility in making internships a success. The framework expects them to:

Apply formally through the Internship Office or Head of Department.
Stay in regular contact with both faculty and site supervisors.
Maintain weekly activity logs and submit reports every three weeks.
Demonstrate professionalism, commitment, and integrity.
Take responsibility for learning by asking questions, seeking feedback, and tackling challenges.

The PNP Internship Program reflects these principles by requiring interns to complete weekly reports, media assignments, and professional tasks under strict timelines, fostering discipline and responsibility. It also helps interns transition from being passive learners to proactive professionals.

Operational Steps

The framework outlines clear steps for internship implementation:

Registration: Students register with the Internship Office on their department’s recommendation.
Faculty Assignment: Each student is paired with a faculty supervisor.
Placement: The Internship Office secures placements in partner organizations, though students may also find opportunities independently.
Site Supervisor Assignment: The host institution assigns a site supervisor.
Defining Terms of Reference (TORs): Before starting, students receive clear expectations regarding their roles and responsibilities.
Work Engagement: Students perform tasks at the host institution under supervision.
Performance Evaluation: Every three weeks, evaluations are conducted by both student and supervisors.
Completion and Certification: Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate or grade, which is recorded in their transcript.

Intern Evaluation

The framework introduces a comprehensive evaluation system to ensure accountability and learning outcomes. Performance is measured across:

Work Accomplishment – completing assigned tasks effectively.
Problem-Solving Skills – demonstrating creativity and analytical thinking.
Organizational Skills – adhering to policies and contributing to goals.
Communication Skills – proficiency in written and verbal communication.
Interpersonal Skills – teamwork, cooperation, and adaptability.
Professional Behavior – reliability, motivation, and integrity.

Weightage of Evaluation:

Site Supervisor Evaluations: 40%
Student Reports: 30%
Faculty Supervisor Evaluation: 25%
Activity Logs: 5%

The PNP interns are evaluated on both editorial performance (accuracy, deadlines, writing style) and professional behavior (teamwork, initiative, communication). This dual-layered evaluation ensures interns meet both academic and professional benchmarks.

Finally, the Grades by the University are awarded on this basis and become part of the student’s official academic record, highlighting the seriousness of the process.

Broader Impact

The Career and Internship Framework has implications beyond individual student development:

For Universities: It strengthens academia-industry linkages, improves graduate employability, and enhances institutional reputation.
For Employers: Host institutions benefit from fresh perspectives and potential future employees.
For Society: By producing graduates who are more prepared, professional, and skilled, the framework supports national economic growth and innovation.

PNP Internship Program: A Model Initiative

The PNP Internship Program, offered by the Press Network of Pakistan, stands out as a practical model aligned with the HEC Undergraduate Education Policy (ver 1.1) as well as the Career and Internship Framework. It offers students exposure to:

Newsroom Operations: Understanding reporting cycles, editing processes, and publication standards.
Digital Media Skills: Training in online journalism, social media engagement, and multimedia content creation.
Public Relations & Communication: Hands-on practice in drafting news reports, press releases, managing events, and liaising with stakeholders.
Mentorship: Guidance from senior journalists and communication experts.

The PNP Internship Program reinforces these benefits in the media and communication sector, where adaptability, creativity, and professional networking are crucial. By aligning with the HEC framework, PNP ensures that its interns are not just learning but also building careers. By providing structured learning, professional mentorship, and industry exposure, PNP ensures that students not only meet HEC’s internship requirements but also gain a competitive edge in the job market. Click here to know more and join PNP Internship Program.

Conclusion

The Press Network of Pakistan believes that the HEC Career and Internship Framework is more than just a paper requirement—it is a carefully designed roadmap for student growth and professional readiness. By aligning classroom learning with real-world experiences, it ensures that graduates are better equipped to meet workplace demands. For students, it offers exposure, skills, and career direction. For universities and employers, it strengthens partnerships and prepares a more competent workforce.

By connecting academia, the PNP Internship Program prepares students not just to graduate but to succeed in their careers. They are building blocks for a stronger, more employable, and future-ready generation of Pakistani professionals.

In a rapidly changing global job market, frameworks like these are not optional but essential. They empower students to step out of the classroom, test their abilities, and prepare for a successful career journey.

PNP Desk