Students moving into the hotel
and hospitality management fields choose this occupation for a variety of
reasons ranging from travel to compensation. In a number of cases, students
were not aware of why they choose this particular field and did so on a hunch.
At the time, they made the decision it seemed like a choice that fits their
personal lifestyle and goals. Research by Peshave and Gujarathi helps to
understand why students have chosen the hotel industry and what their
expectations are.
Upon graduation, students have personal
and professional expectations they hope to fulfill within their workplace. For
example, many students hope to be a general manager within 10 years of
graduation (Jenkins, 2001). They may also have expectations about what
department they are going to work in, what type of work they will be doing, and
even the type of hotel industry they will find employment.
Sometimes these expectations are
accurate and other times they are based upon misconstrued information. A
realistic picture of the hotel and hospitality industry will help students
become more aware of the opportunities and expectations that can lead to higher
levels of employee retention. Realistic student expectations are a partnership
between education and industry.
Managers also have their own
expectations of new graduates they hire. Managers wanted interpersonal, problem
solving, and self-management above other skills (Raybould & Wilkins, 2005).
To them the ability of employees to deal effectively with others and customers
was beneficial, solving problems were practical, and self-management allowed
for some level of independence.
Skill in international
relationships also were lacking in many organizations. These skills are
important for the overall development of an international hospitality industry.
This international nature of the industry is a result of hotel chain expansion
and mobility of educated individuals. It is also helpful in dealing and
handling global based customers.
Peshave and Gujarathi (2012)
conducted a study on college students that entered into hotel management
programs in India. They used personal interviews and a questionnaire of 100
students in two different courses. They believed that students have limited
knowledge of programs before they enter them and did not want to be immediately
employed in the field.
Results:
-At the intermediary level 75% of
students had some idea of what they wanted to study.
-A total of 52% wanted to study
hotel management versus other related fields.
-A total of 59% made the choices
personally without outside influence in their career path.
-Out of all the possible reasons
why students chose the field the opportunity to work abroad came out that
largest at 37%.
-Those who had some limited
knowledge of the industry before entering were 56% while 44% had no clue of the
industry.
-College reputation was the most
important reason for deciding on a school at 75%.
-Colleges achieved a 82%
satisfaction rating.
-Curriculum ratings were 80%.
-At the time of graduation 90% of
students felt they made the right decision.
-At the time of graduation 62%
felt that they had the same perceptions as when they entered school.
-Out of those who felt their
perceptions were different 66% wanted to further their education while the rest
felt they were in the wrong industry.
-Of those who graduated only 46%
felt they were going to join the career right away.
-Out of those students who want
to prolong their careers 63% wanted to pursue higher education.
Business Analysis: Helping
students to understand the program and the potential career opportunities at
the result of the program will help them be surer about entering a program.
Even though the study was conducted in India there are likely to be
similarities in American colleges as these same students compete for the same
international employment opportunities. Having curriculum tied to practical
industry experience can help students to gain a better sense of their fields of
studies and its practical applications. Where there are holes in management
expectations of graduates skills schools can continue to adjust their program
for relevancy.
Jenkins, A. (2001). Making a career of it?
Hospitality students’ future perspective: an Anglo-Dutch study. International Journal of Contemporary
Hospitality Management, 13 (1).
Peshave, M. & Gujarathi, R. (2012). Study of
students perception towards selection of hotel management studies and their
willingness to pursue their career in the hospitality industry after completion
of their course. International Journal of
Research in Commerce, Economics & Management, 2 (12).
Raybould, M. & Wilkins, H. (2005). Over
qualified and under experienced: turning graduates into hospitality managers. International Journal of contemporary
hospitality management, 17 (3).
