Beyond the Classroom: Hospitality Management Students' Experiences in Developing Industry-Ready Competencies through Experiential Learning

Abstract

The hospitality industry requires graduates who possess not only academic knowledge but also
practical competencies, professional attitudes, and adaptability to meet the demands of an
increasingly dynamic global workforce. Experiential learning has become an essential
pedagogical approach in hospitality education by providing students with authentic opportunities
to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. This phenomenological study explored the
lived experiences of Hospitality Management students in developing industry-ready
competencies through experiential learning. Guided by Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, the
study employed a descriptive phenomenological research design to understand how students
perceive and make meaning of their internship experiences, laboratory activities, simulations,
community engagement, and other work-integrated learning opportunities. Fifteen Hospitality
Management students from a higher education institution in the Philippines were purposively
selected and participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using
Colaizzi's Seven-Step Phenomenological Method. The findings revealed six essential themes: (1)
Bridging Classroom Learning and Industry Practice; (2) Developing Professional Competence
through Authentic Experiences; (3) Building Confidence, Communication, and Interpersonal
Skills; (4) Cultivating Adaptability and Problem-Solving Abilities; (5) Challenges Encountered
during Experiential Learning; and (6) Strengthening Career Readiness and Professional Identity.
The study concludes that experiential learning significantly contributes to the development of
technical competencies, employability skills, and professional values necessary for success in the
hospitality industry. The findings provide valuable insights for hospitality educators and
academic institutions in strengthening work-integrated learning programs and industry
partnerships to better prepare students for future careers.