Career Planning Strategies and Skills of Hospitality Management Students

Abstract

This exploratory study combines the literature on competencies and career related topics for hospitality management students, in relation to the characteristics of the Millennial generation and the evolving workplace. It investigates student perceptions of career planning strategies and skills and identifies significant differences arising from work experience, extra-curricular activities, class level, and other factors. The researchers surveyed students at three public universities in the western United States. Students who are closer to graduation, have work experience, participate in hospitality student clubs, and attend on-campus career events have better developed career plans and report higher level skills than those who do not.