Enhancing Workforce Readiness in the Hospitality Industry: A Gender-Based Study of Hospitality Business Students’ Internship Experiences

Internships play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry experience for hospitality business students. This study investigates the impact of internship experiences on workforce readiness, focusing on gender-based differences in perceived achievements and areas for improvement. Grounded in Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), the research examines how internships contribute to students’ career preparation. A survey of 373 students revealed that female students emphasized interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills, whereas male students highlighted technical expertise and leadership. These findings suggest that both educational institutions and the hospitality industry should tailor internship structures to address gender-specific learning differences, enhance professional development, and optimize career preparedness for students entering the workforce.