INTERNSHIP COMPLETION

AT THE HIGHER SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

Professional internship for educational programs (EP) 6В04102 - Finance, 6B04111 – Marketing, 6B04117 – Economics, 6B04114 – Management, 6В04122 - International Business, 7M04117 – Economics, 6B11101 - Tourism, 7М04106 – Management, 7М04103 - Management in Education, 7M04109 - Strategic Management and Leadership (EMBA), 8D04103 - Management in Education, 8D04104 – Management, 8D04107 – Economics is part of the educational process and represents an important stage of professional and practical training for students. This stage is aimed at consolidating theoretical knowledge obtained during the training process, forming professional competencies, developing practical skills, research and analytical abilities, as well as acquiring professional experience in the real sector of the economy, educational organizations, business, and management.

The professional internship of students is carried out in accordance with the Rules for Organizing and Conducting Professional Internships at Astana International University (PR-MUA 009-23). Professional internship is a mandatory component of the educational program and is aimed at the formation and development of professional competencies, consolidation of theoretical knowledge, and acquisition of practical experience by students.

TYPES OF INTERNSHIPS

UNDERGRADUATE

·     Educational Internship is conducted for students of all undergraduate EPs in the 1st year of study. The internship is organized on the basis of the Higher School and auxiliary educational units of the University, including master classes and introductory excursions to organizations that are objects of future professional activity. The goal of the educational internship is to acquire primary professional competencies, which include consolidating and deepening theoretical knowledge obtained during the learning process, gaining initial research activity skills, developing business correspondence abilities, and acquiring practical skills and work experience in accordance with the EP.

·     Work Experience Internship is conducted for students of all undergraduate EPs in the 2nd and 3rd years of study. Work experience internship is conducted at internship bases — enterprises, institutions, and organizations whose activities correspond to the profile of the educational program. The goal of the work experience internship is to consolidate theoretical knowledge obtained during the educational process and to acquire practical skills, professional competencies, and professional experience in accordance with the educational program.

·     Pre-graduation Internship is conducted in the final year for students of all EPs according to their individual study plan. The main tasks of the pre-graduation internship are the collection, processing, and summarization of practical material on the topic of the thesis (project), the analysis of statistical data and practical material, the formulation of conclusions and recommendations, the formatting of the thesis (project) in accordance with established requirements, and preparation for the final certification of the graduate.

MASTER'S AND DOCTORAL DEGREES

·     Pedagogical Internship for Master's and Doctoral students is conducted in conditions as close as possible to the real conditions of the future professional activity of a higher education institution teacher. This internship is conducted with the aim of forming practical skills in teaching and learning methodologies. The practice is aimed at developing professionally significant pedagogical competencies and acquiring experience in educational-methodological and teaching activities.

·     Research Internship for Master's students is conducted with the goal of familiarizing students with the latest theoretical, methodological, and technological achievements of domestic and foreign science, modern methods of scientific research, and the processing and interpretation of experimental data. It also aims at the acquisition of practical skills, competencies, and professional experience within the Master's educational program, as well as mastering advanced experience.

·     Research Internship for Doctoral students is conducted with the goal of studying the latest theoretical, methodological, and technological achievements of domestic and foreign science, as well as consolidating theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It focuses on the application of modern methods of scientific research, processing, and interpretation of experimental data within the dissertation research to increase the professional level.

Research Internship for Master's and Doctoral students is conducted in research organizations, research departments of industrial enterprises, on the basis of research-educational and innovation centers, as well as at enterprises, organizations, and institutions corresponding to the profile of the educational program and the research topic. It is aimed at consolidating theoretical knowledge, acquiring practical skills and professional competencies, increasing the professional level, and mastering advanced experience.

AGREEMENTS:

CAREER SUPPORT AND GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY

AT THE AIU HIGHER SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

The Higher School of Economics (HSE) of Astana International University has developed a comprehensive career support system for its graduates. The employment process is of paramount importance for students enrolled in the following degree programs: Bachelor's degree: 6B04117 "Economics", 6B04102 "Finance", 6B04111 "Marketing", 6B04114 "Management", 6B04122 "International Business", 6B11101 "Tourism"; Master's degree: 7M04109 "Strategic Management and Leadership (EMBA)", 7M04117 "Economics", 7M04106 "Management", 7M04103 "Management in Education"; Doctoral degree (PhD): 8D04107 "Economics", 8D04104 "Management", and 8D04103 "Management in Education". The School continuously monitors labor market trends, expands its employer partnership network, and meticulously tracks the professional achievements of young specialists.

The primary mechanisms for assessing career development include regular surveys, maintaining contact via professional social networks (including Linkedin), email newsletters, and personal meetings. To foster ongoing relationships with alumni, the HSE hosts annual roundtables and graduate reunions.

To enhance the competitiveness of graduates in the labor market, the management of the Higher School of Economics, in collaboration with academic advisors, integrates career guidance initiatives into the annual work plan. During their final years, students study the realities of modern business and corporate sector requirements, while acquiring practical skills in self-presentation. Additionally, the HSE regularly organizes guest lectures by top executives, masterclasses, and career fairs.

Data analysis over the last five academic years (from 2020 to 2025) confirms the strong demand for specialists trained at the HSE. The employment rate consistently remains at a high level. Our graduates successfully build careers across Kazakhstan and abroad in the following sectors:

-                   Finance and Audit: second-tier banks, consulting and auditing firms, investment funds;

-                   Public Administration and Quasi-Public Sector: line ministries, akimats (local municipal authorities), national holdings, embassies, and consulates;

-                   Marketing and Retail: FMCG companies, logistics corporations, digital and advertising agencies, e-commerce sector;

-                   Corporate Management: strategic planning, sales, and business analytics departments of major industrial and manufacturing enterprises;

-                   Entrepreneurship: launching independent startups and developing projects within the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) segment.

A comprehensive database is maintained for each graduating class, detailing the specialist's place of employment, job title, and contact information.

An in-depth analysis of graduates' career achievements enables the AIU Higher School of Economics to promptly adapt its academic curricula to the demands of the real economy, thereby guaranteeing high-quality training for future business leaders.