The upper secondary thesis (gymnasiearbete) is the last major assignment before graduation – and one of the best opportunities to show what you actually know. If you combine the thesis with your internship, you hit two birds with one stone: you get a relevant topic, real data and a concrete connection to working life.
Connecting the upper secondary thesis to the internship means choosing a topic, question or project that stems from your workplace-based experience. You use observations, interviews or data from the internship as material – and demonstrate that you can apply the education's knowledge in reality.
Why the internship connection strengthens your work#
Grounding in reality#
Theses built on real situations are more credible and interesting to read. You can describe actual problems and propose solutions that have been tested.
Easier to find material#
Instead of googling for secondary sources, you have access to:
- your own observations
- interviews with supervisors and colleagues
- workplace routines and documentation
- concrete situations you've experienced
Demonstrates professional competence#
The assessment of the thesis looks at whether you demonstrate knowledge and skills central to your program. A connection to the internship makes this a natural fit.
Step by step: from idea to finished work#
1. Choose a topic during the internship#
Keep your eyes open during the APL period. Good topics often arise from:
- a problem you noticed at the workplace
- a method you learned and want to explore further
- a question you asked the supervisor that didn't have a simple answer
- a comparison between what you learned at school and how it works in practice
2. Formulate a research question#
A good research question is:
- concrete enough to answer
- relevant to your program
- connected to your workplace or internship period
Examples:
- "How does construction site X ensure that work environment requirements for minors are met?"
- "What effect does allergen labeling have on guest satisfaction at restaurant Y?"
- "How does supervision affect the student's independence during APL?"
3. Collect material during the internship#
Plan the data collection:
- Observation: note what you see, hear and experience
- Interview: ask structured questions to supervisors, colleagues or customers
- Documentation: collect routines, checklists or forms (with permission)
- Journal: your internship journal can become an important source
Be transparent about collecting material for your thesis. Ask for permission.
4. Connect to theory#
The thesis should not just be a report on "what I did during my internship". You need:
- relevant course theory from your program
- possibly scientific or industry literature
- comparison between theory and practice
5. Write, present and defend#
Follow your school's template and instructions. Most upper secondary theses include:
- introduction with background and purpose
- research question
- method
- results
- analysis and conclusion
- references
Topic suggestions by program#
| Program | Topic suggestion linked to internship |
|---|---|
| Building and Construction | Work environment for young people at the construction site |
| Electricity and Energy | Comparison of installation methods: school vs workplace |
| Hotel and Tourism | How staff work with guest service in practice |
| Restaurant and Food | Food waste management at my internship placement |
| Health and Social Care | Communication with patients – theory and reality |
| Child and Recreation | The importance of play in preschool – observations from APL |
| Vehicle and Transport | Troubleshooting in practice vs textbook |
| Retail | Store display and its effect on sales |
Common mistakes#
Too broad a topic "How does cooking work?" is not a thesis. Narrow it down. "How does restaurant X handle allergy information during ordering?" is better.
No material from the internship If you don't collect data during the internship, the work becomes an ordinary essay. Plan the collection in advance.
Only description, no analysis Don't just describe what happened. Analyze why, compare with theory and draw conclusions.
Forgetting to ask permission If you interview staff or use the company's documentation, always ask for permission. Anonymize when needed.
Tips for supervisors at the workplace#
If a student wants to connect their thesis to the internship:
- Be open to being interviewed
- Help the student find relevant situations
- Give access to non-sensitive information
- Don't ask "what do you need that for?" – support the curiosity
How Prakto can help#
Through a digital internship platform like Prakto, students can document observations and reflections continuously – material that then becomes the foundation for the thesis. The teacher can follow the student's process already during the internship, not just afterward.
Frequently asked questions about the thesis and internship#
Does the thesis need to be connected to the internship?#
No, but it's strongly recommended for vocational programs. The connection demonstrates professional competence, which is central to the assessment.
When should I start planning?#
During the APL period in year 2 or early in year 3. The earlier you start collecting material, the better.
Can I interview my supervisor?#
Yes, that's one of the best sources. Prepare the questions in advance and ask permission to use the answers in your work.
What happens if the workplace doesn't want to participate?#
Choose another topic or anonymize. In the vast majority of cases, workplaces are positive.
Can I use my internship journal as a source?#
Yes. Your journal is a primary source – your own observations and reflections. Reference it as "Internship journal, date".
Conclusion#
The upper secondary thesis and the internship are naturally connected – if you plan for it. By choosing a topic from the workplace, collecting material during APL and connecting it to theory, you show that you didn't just attend the internship but that you learned from it. That strengthens both your grade and your profile as a future professional.
