Maximizing the hospitality management student work placement experience: a case study

Abstract

Placement is an important component of third level hospitality management programmes and is one of the most vital experiences on which graduates base their career aspirations. The effect of changing demographics on the workforce is likely to have an impact on the way hospitality employers recruit and retain managers. At present, however, significant numbers of graduates are turning their backs on the industry. The onus is on educators and industry to ensure that the placement experience is as rewarding as possible. Presents a developing model of good practice based on the tripartite relationship between the University of Ulster, the student and Ryan Hotels. Demonstrates the need for colleges to build up successful relationships with individual companies and calls on colleges to invest the necessary resources in the placement function. Companies must develop a professional attitude towards placement and students should be positive and forthright in their attitude to the whole process.

Making career decisions in a changing graduate labour market: A Hospitality perspective

“…Hospitality students demonstrate limited commitment towards hospitality careers. Their perception had been largely negatively affected by the 'hard knocks syndrome' of working conditions in the industry through their work placement (McMahon and Quinn, 1995) or what Collins (2002) memorably calls the sting of battle.…”

Careers in Hospitality Management: Generation Y's Experiences and Perceptions

“…So while the industry as a whole was regarded as exciting and dynamic, the actual nature of some of the jobs undertaken had less appeal to the students. As McMahon and Quinn (1995) observed perhaps these students have an inadequate or distorted knowledge of the nature of the industry.…”

Undergraduate Internship Attachment in Accounting: The Interns Perspective

“…McMahon and Quinn (1995) note that internship is considered as 'supervised work experiences' where students are closely supervised during their internship attachment.…”