The Impact of Covid-19 on the Career Preferences of Tourism and Hospitality Students

Due to the pandemic, businesses, large and small, must close down for safety reasons, resulting in the loss of several jobs. This has been the most noticeable effect of the pandemic in the employment sector. Since the tourism and hospitality industry has been the most affected, the researchers aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the career preferences of the Tourism and Hospitality Management students of Liceo de Cagayan University. A quantitative paradigm directed this research. To identify the factors that influence Liceans’ career choices and aspirations, this study used a survey method in a structured questionnaire. The study included a calculated sample of 224 first to fourth year university students (172 females, 52 males; ages 19 to 24). The study relied on questionnaires created by the researchers. It looked into the factors that influence a student’s career preferences and the impact of COVID-19 on those preferences. Tables and percentages were utilized to analyze the data. Gender, job security, higher income, and career opportunities were significant factors influencing students’ career choices in the study. The implications of the findings and practical aspects are further discussed in the paper.

Keywords: Career Preferences, Job loss, COVID-19, Tourism, Hospitality