Factors Influencing Undergraduate Hospitality Students’ Intentions to Choose Careers in the Hospitality Industry

Abstract

There has been a tremendous increase in student enrollment on hospitality management programs in recent years. However, industry practitioners consistently complain about shortage of skilled staff in the hospitality industry. This study sought to examine factors that influence undergraduate hospitality students’ choice of careers in the hospitality industry in Ghana. A survey involving 1,341 undergraduate hospitality students in both traditional and technical universities across the country was undertaken. The results show that intention to operate one’s own hospitality business, interest in hospitality careers, having a personality fit for careers in the industry and peer influence were the best predictors of students’ choice of hospitality careers. It is recommended that educators should emphasize practical and entrepreneurial courses in the hospitality program in both traditional and technical universities.