From Classroom to Practice

Interview with Practice Partner Tiroler Soziale Dienste GmbH (TSD)

As part of the bachelor's degree program in Social, Health & Public Management at MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, students complete a mandatory professional internship that prepares them for roles in the social, health, and public sectors. They get to know potential employers, gain initial insights into practical work, and apply the knowledge they have acquired during their studies.

Our students explore a wide variety of activity areas, such as administration, quality management, personnel organization, leadership, and project work. At the same time, students are introduced to direct work with clients, helping them understand the structures required for successful work.

We asked various organizations about their experiences collaborating with our students. Here are a few insights into the work of Tiroler Soziale Dienste GmbH.

****

Please briefly introduce your organization and your role.

Tiroler Soziale Dienste GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Province of Tyrol, founded in 2015. We are a charitable social service provider and support people in need of protection and assistance by helping them build a life in Austria free from prejudice or reintegrate into society.

Currently, Tiroler Soziale Dienste employs around 220 staff members. In addition to our emergency shelters (NOST) and safe spaces for women (NORA 1 and 2), we operate 44 basic care facilities throughout Tyrol. Our staff work across the areas of basic care, integration, 24/7 services, and administration.

• In the area of basic care, we provide asylum seekers with housing, essential services, protection, stability, and guidance in everyday life.
• In the area of integration, we support clients through individualized programs focused on language acquisition/education, preparation for the labor market, and social participation.
• Within our 24/7 services, we provide people experiencing homelessness, as well as women at risk of homelessness, with a safe and healthy environment, ongoing support, and future perspectives.

Interns have the opportunity to complete internships both in our facilities and in our administrative headquarters. They gain insight into the daily realities and challenges of working with asylum seekers and people experiencing homelessness, while also providing valuable support in practice.

What tasks do interns typically take on, and how do you ensure that they learn and contribute meaningfully?

In the areas of basic care and 24/7 services, interns gain realistic insight into daily care work and are actively involved in day-to-day tasks, without assuming professional responsibility. Supervisors are always available to provide guidance and answer both practical and subject-related questions.

In the administrative area, interns gain insight into organizational processes and structures, take on support and administrative tasks, contribute to projects, and in some cases independently handle defined task packages.

Here as well, staff members are always available to provide guidance and support.

How is the internship supervision organized, and which competencies have proven particularly important for students?

Interns are primarily supported by a dedicated internship supervisor. In addition, other TSD staff members serve as contact persons depending on the tasks and activities involved.

In addition to social skills such as communication abilities, a strong interest in the organization’s fields of work and in the social sector in general is essential, as well as a positive and open-minded attitude toward clients and a willingness to engage.

Internships also offer the opportunity to connect academic knowledge with the challenges and questions of everyday work. They help strengthen methodological skills, provide space to apply and test learned approaches, and support the development of personal competencies such as diligence and adaptability.

How do you experience the collaboration with interns from MCI?

Interns consistently stand out through their commitment, hands-on mentality, ability to understand connections, curiosity expressed through thoughtful questions, openness, and strong professional interest.

What advice would you give students who are interested in doing an internship with you?

It is important to be open to the wide range of fields, topics, and client groups within the social sector. Before applying, it pays off to research which areas the company is active in and to think about where your personal interest is greatest. If several internships are completed, it is an advantage to get to know as many different/diverse areas of activity/industries as possible.

*******

If you are interested in shaping topics within social, health, and public management, apply for our programs and be part of the future! We Are Managing the Public Interest!