Customizing Internship Experiences by Emphasis Area: The Key to Increased Satisfaction and Motivation in Hospitality and Tourism Management Students

ABSTRACT

This article examines the role internships play in the development of hospitality and tourism management students. Building upon earlier research on internship design, it specifically examines the characteristics present in a student’s internship through the use of a job characteristics model. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods, we propose, within the limitations of a case university, the characteristics needed in career emphasis areas that contribute to increased levels of intrinsic motivation and student satisfaction gained from participation in an internship experience.

KEYWORDS:

• Career choices
• internships
• intrinsic motivation
• satisfaction

Notes

¹ World Travel & Tourism Council. http://www.wttc.org.