The Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic to the Career Expectation in Hospitality Industry among the Hospitality Management Students of Bestlink College of the Philippines

Vol.3, No.1B

Abstract

In today's world, the hospitality industry has experienced massive declines due to the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting people's lives in various ways. The pandemic has unexpectedly impacted the hospitality industry worldwide, including in the Philippines. The industry relies heavily on business and leisure travel for revenue, but due to the pandemic's travel restrictions it has caused the displacement of tourists and hospitality professionals. According to the Official Airline Guide (OAG) Aviation Worldwide, the travel restrictions on international flights have caused the global airline industry's losses of $880 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic could result in the loss of 50 million jobs globally in the travel and tourism sector, according to a warning from the World Travel & Tourism Council. 

A descriptive research design using the quantitative method was utilized in this research to identify the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the career expectations of Hospitality Management students in the hospitality industry. The study was conducted at Bestlink College of the Philippines, with 100 respondents chosen from each level from first to fourth year. According to the survey's findings, the lack of learning resources and the need for additional training and skills are the two biggest impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' expectations for their future careers in the hospitality sector. The researchers noted that instructors should guide their students in their career choices by providing efficient and effective learning materials to be more competent and productive. In addition, they need to build industry links and collaborate with them to take the National Certificate (NC ll) in a more accessible manner. The researchers recommend students read and learn on their own effectively. Students should also be familiar with their possible careers and analyze what skills they can possess or not.