Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Table of Contents - Volume 19 - 2012  

Articles

Utilising Generation Y: United States Hospitality and Tourism Students' Perceptions of Careers in the Industry

Scott Richardsona1 c1 and Nicholas J. Thomasa2

a1 Central Queensland University and University of Johannesburg

a2 DePaul University, Chicago, USA

Abstract

This purpose of this study is to ascertain U.S. hospitality and tourism management student's perceptions of jobs in the industry. To undertake this, students were asked to identify which factors were important when choosing a career and whether the hospitality and tourism offers these. Additionally, students were asked their perceptions towards a number of dimensions relating to careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Overall, it is clear that respondents are generally happy with the careers being offered in hospitality and tourism and are committed to pursuing careers in the industry.

Keywords:

  • students;
  • perceptions;
  • generation Y;
  • career factors;
  • United States;
  • hospitality;
  • tourism

Correspondence:

c1 Correspondence Dr Scott Richardson, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Marketing, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Arts, Business, Informatics and Education, Central Queensland University, Goodchap Street, Noosaville, 4566, QLD, Australia. E-mail: s.a.richardson@cqu.edu.au