Unlocking accounting student success: The interplay of student activity participation, social skills, and emotional maturity through internships in Thailand

Abstract

This quantitative study addressed a notable research gap by investigating the interplay between student activity participation, social skills, and emotional maturity among accounting students in Thailand, with a specific focus on internships. Before this research, scholarly inquiries into these interconnected factors were scarce. Drawing upon a comprehensive literature review, six hypotheses were formulated and tested using a Likert scale survey administered to 402 Thai university accounting students (91.8% females and 8.2% males). This study thoroughly examined the model using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). This included checking the accuracy of the indicators, their reliability (how well they measure what they're supposed to), their agreement (convergent validity), and their distinctiveness (discriminant validity). The findings revealed that active participation in extracurricular activities significantly enhanced the development of social skills and emotional maturity in accounting students, while dedication to internships prepared them for real-world work environments upon graduation. These findings were crucial for university leaders, professors, and community members. They provided valuable guidance in developing students' character and fostering core abilities needed to navigate the demands of the modern world. This research filled an important gap in knowledge and guided policies that aim to foster well-rounded student development to equip them for future societal and career success.

Keywords

• Student activity participation
• Social skills
• Internship engagement
• Emotional maturity
• Thailand's accounting students
• Accounting education development