LOCAL VS. GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES: A STUDY ON THE EMPLOYABILITY OF BSHM GRADUATES IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Abstract

The hospitality industry is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing sectors, characterized by its diverse cultural and regional practices. For Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) graduates, employment opportunities—whether local or overseas—offer varying benefits and challenges. While international careers may appear to be more practical and financially rewarding in the short term, local employment offers broader insights into operational standards and long-term development within the domestic industry. This study investigates the employability of BSHM graduates in both local and global contexts within the hospitality sector. This study adopts a correlational research method to analyze the relationship between local and international employment opportunities and the employability of BSHM graduates. Data were collected through online survey questionnaires targeting alumni working in the food and beverage sector of the hospitality industry. Using snowball sampling, the researchers reached respondents employed both locally and abroad to gather detailed perspectives on the required competencies and employment trends. The survey addressed technical, service-related, and interpersonal skills to determine their relevance to employability outcomes. Findings revealed that the majority of employed BSHM graduates are within the age range of 23 to 27, indicating a high rate of recent graduates entering the hospitality workforce. Among technical skills, service skills emerged as the most in-demand, with 29 reported instances. In terms of performance expectations, the highest average weighted mean of 3.50 was recorded under efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in room service quality. The highest mean of 3.56 under accuracy and congruency pertained to staff voluntarism in taking on additional tasks relevant to their skill set. The study highlights the competencies most valued in the hospitality industry, particularly among BSHM graduates from Bestlink College of the Philippines. Service-related and technical skills, along with problem-solving and interpersonal abilities, were shown to influence employability both locally and globally. Most graduates are currently employed in the local sector, although transferable skills are essential for broader career mobility. Future studies may explore the impact of international experience on long-term career development and professional advancement within the hospitality industry.