Students’ Perceptions of Careers in Ghana’s Hospitality and Tourism Industry

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to explore students’ perception of careers in the hospitality and tourism industry and their intention to pursue careers in Ghana’s hospitality and tourism industry. This study used a sample of 441 students studying hospitality and tourism management at University of Cape Coast. The results indicated that, overall, the perceptions of students toward careers in the hospitality and tourism industry were unfavorable. It was also observed that: opportunity to care for others, establish own jobs, gain transferable skills, further training and education are important factors students consider in their choices of careers but they believe the hospitality and tourism industry offers something else. The study, therefore, has some implications for career counseling, guidance, and reorientation of students toward careers in the industry.

KEYWORDS:

• Career factors
• Ghana
• hospitality
• students
• tourism