Predicting hospitality management students’ intention to enter employment in the hospitality industry on graduation: a person–environment fit perspective

ABSTRACT

This study investigates factors predicting hospitality management students’ intention to enter employment in the hospitality industry upon graduation. Survey data were collected from 591 hospitality management students in a hotel management school in the Netherlands. Results of multiple regression analyses showed that study progress negatively predicted, while preferences for large organisations, engaging work content and growth opportunities positively predicted students’ intention to enter the hospitality industry. Supplementary analyses further revealed that among higher study year students, growth opportunity was the most crucial predictor for intention to enter the industry. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• study progress
• person–job fit
• person–organisation fit
• career intention
• hospitality students