Bridging the Gap: Technical and Management Competencies of BSHM Graduates in the Philippine Context

The advancement of the hospitality industry demands competent, well-educated, and highly trained staff for success in a competitive labor market. This study aimed to determine the work readiness of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students by evaluating their technical and management skills and identifying factors affecting skill development. A mixed-method approach was used with 105 randomly selected BSHM-graduating students. Students’ self-assessed technical skills were measured using a survey questionnaire, while actual technical skills in housekeeping and food/beverage services were assessed via demonstration tests. Management skills were evaluated using a teacher-developed scale. An open-ended questionnaire gathered qualitative data on the factors affecting skill development from 30 participants. The results showed that the students assessed themselves as competent in housekeeping and food/beverage services. However, the actual assessment revealed competence in housekeeping, but only moderate competence in food/beverage services. Management skills, particularly in analyzing hotel reports and situational analysis, were found to be low. The factors affecting skill development included personal factors (lack of self-confidence, poor study focus), interpersonal factors, teachers’ expertise, internship experiences, laboratory exposure, and socioeconomic conditions. The findings suggest a need for continuous post-graduate training and development in specializations, implementation of comprehensive programs to enhance technical and essential skills, and addressing factors hindering skill development to better prepare graduates for industry demands. Recommendations include improving practical exposure, focused training in weaker areas, and enhancing teachers’ expertise through professional development.