The Employability Landscape for Hospitality Graduates
摘要
This research explores the career prospects of hospitality graduates from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Iloilo. It aims to uncover the factors influencing their employment outcomes. The study employs an approach by merging survey data from 500 graduates with insights obtained through interviews and focus group discussions involving employers, faculty members and the graduates themselves. The quantitative results indicate that while the majority of graduates secure positions in the hospitality sector a notable number encounter difficulties attributed to a lack of experience and soft skills such as communication and adaptability. The qualitative analysis highlights gaps between programs and industry demands particularly in areas like technology utilization and practical work experience. Employers have emphasized the need for stronger collaborations with institutions to address skill gaps and better prepare graduates for the job market. Faculty members also acknowledged the necessity of updating the curriculum to stay current with advancements in hospitality management and customer service technology. The research suggests that universities should focus on improving training, enhancing course content to align with industry trends and strengthening support services. It also highlights the importance of partnerships between the hospitality industry and educational institutions. Policymakers are encouraged to support these initiatives by providing funding for internships and developing standardized curricula. While the research offers insights into the challenges faced by hospitality graduates in Iloilo its scope is limited to that region. Future studies should involve long term research to track the career progress of graduates and explore the evolving landscape of employability in the hospitality sector.