The internship represents an educational strategy that links classroom learning and student interest with the acquisition of knowledge in an applied work setting. It is an experiential learning opportunity (that lasts for 8-12 weeks) that emphasizes “on-the-job” training.
Internship provides our students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills from a planned work experience in the student’s chosen career field in areas related to soils, environment, water resources, hydrology, technologies and agricultural engineering. In addition to meeting Learning Outcomes, jointly developed Specific Learning Outcomes are selected and evaluated by the Faculty Internship Advisor, Work-site supervisor, and the student. Internship placements are directly related to the student’s program of study and provide learning experiences not available in the classroom setting. Internships provide entry-level, career-related experience, and workplace competencies that employer’s value when hiring new employees. Students must meet with an Internship Program Advisor prior to registering in this 3-credit course. Coordination with the host organizations is also preceded.
Our students are well equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge that enables them apply appropriate solutions to problems faced in the agricultural and environmental sectors in Oman.
Advantages of completing an internship are:
1. Extends student’s classroom learning into a real-world setting.
2. Provides the opportunity to reinforce student’s choice of major and career path.
3. Allows the student to gain practical experience and transferable skills by working in a professional environment.
4. Helps the student to develop a network of professional contacts in their career fields.
Over years, SWAE has established good training programs and collaboration with host organizations in both public and private sectors entities. This includes: Petroleum development Oman (PDO), drilling companies, large farms, food companies, desalination plants, consulting companies dealing with environmental problems in Sultanate, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), Muscat Municipality, Royal Court of Diwan, Authority of Environment, Oman Water and Wastewater services company, etc. The department also managed to arrange an annual overseas training for a number of students. Recent host countries include, The Netherlands, Germany, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, and Kuwait.