ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses three types of indirect measures based on a professional orientation: internships, careers, and competitions. It examines the use of outside evaluations- internships, job placement, and student performance in competitions- as forms of indirect measurement. The success of an academic program can be reflected in the success of students in external environments. Indirect measures are based, in large part, on the assessment of student outcomes. The internship is one form of experiential education that is designed to extend the classroom beyond the walls of the university. Although internships are encouraged by professionals and valued by students and academics, implementation practices vary widely by academic program. The internship is one form of indirect measures for program assessment. As an assessment tool, internship data and anecdotal evidence should help reveal important trends and consistent or conflicting information and opinions. Employment is another indirect measure that may be useful in the assessment of an academic program.
