Article 2025

The internship experience: Students’ self-evaluations of soft skill development during hospitality internships

AE
Avleeva, Evelina
 WJ
Wickey-Byrd, Jessica
 PS
Pratt, Stephen
 GV
Gonzalez, Vanessa
Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Education
Journal · Vol. 36 · Art. 100552
Abstract

This study examines the impact of internships on soft skill development among hospitality students, focusing on communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. Drawing on Experiential Learning Theory, applied to survey data from over 17,000 students at a U.S. university, analyzed with Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), results highlight notable gains in communication and organizational skills, with the highest ratings in respect for diversity and adaptability. The findings underscore the importance of internships in bridging theory and practice, urging educators and industry professionals to enhance internship design, align curricula with industry needs, and improve soft skill assessments to better prepare students for career success. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

Author Keywords

soft skills students Experiential learning Internships Hospitality and tourism management

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Orlando, FL, United States
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
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