Employability skills and students' self-perceived competence for careers in hospitality industry

Abstract

This descriptive correlational study employs employability skills instrument to assess the self-perceived level of competence at performing some basic skills needed for careers in the hospitality industry. A total of Eighty five (85) HRM students participated in this study. Sixty seven (67) surveys were usable and provided a usable response rate of 78.82%. The result of the study indicated that the respondents (HRM seniors from University of Missouri-Columbia) have developed between moderate and major competence to serve as productive employees in the workplace "equally from program and non-program." In terms of curriculum improvement, the result of this study indicated that the respondents are doing fine with problem solving skills. However, curriculum improvement is needed to include materials that would improve the students' knowledge and understanding of the political implications of their decisions and interpersonal skills or human relation skills.