An Experiential Learning Analysis of Hospitality Student Perceptions, Skill Development, and Career Intentions Post-Internship
List of Authors
Attiq Izzati Ahmad Fadzil, Mohd Hairi Jalis, Nur Najla Filzah Norhisyam, Nurul Hazwani Zolyani
Keyword
Hospitality Education, Internships, Experiential Learning, Skill Development, Career Readiness
Abstract
The persistent challenges in talent attraction and retention within the global hospitality sector underscore the critical importance of effective internship programs in bridging the chasm between academic theory and practical application. This study rigorously investigates the multifaceted impact of hospitality internships on students’ industry perceptions, professional skill acquisition, and subsequent career readiness. Grounded in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, a quantitative approach was employed with 81 hospitality students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) who had completed mandatory hotel internships. Findings unequivocally demonstrate that hands-on industry exposure significantly moulds students’ perceptions and cultivates crucial skills, particularly in communication, leadership, IT, and marketing. While internships generally foster positive perceptions and skill development, a critical analysis reveals a residual hesitancy concerning long-term career commitment, suggesting an expectation-reality gap that often undermines sustained engagement. Multiple regression analysis identified overall positive industry perception, alongside financial, IT, and marketing skills, as significant predictors of career readiness, collectively explaining a substantial 77.9% of the variance. This paper offers crucial, evidence-based insights for educational institutions and industry stakeholders, advocating for a revised experiential learning cycle that emphasizes actively functional, technically-oriented tasks and robust mentorship. Such enhancements are vital for optimizing internship design, strengthening curriculum integration, and ultimately fortifying the talent pipeline with graduates authentically prepared for the dynamic demands of the hospitality sector.