Tourism and Hospitality Students’ Perceptions of Their Employment Prospects and Future Career Paths: A Systematic Literature Review

This study systematically reviews 129 peer-reviewed empirical studies examining tourism and hospitality (T&H) students’ perceptions of their employment prospects and future career paths. A systematic review was conducted using the RePEc database, which provides comprehensive coverage of economics, tourism, and hospitality research, ensuring broad and interdisciplinary representation of relevant studies. By synthesizing evidence across three decades, the review identifies persistent and emerging themes shaping students’ career outlooks. Negative perceptions, particularly regarding pay, working hours, job security, and career progression, remain the most frequently reported concerns and are strongly associated with employment anxiety. At the same time, the analysis highlights a significant rise in entrepreneurial intentions after 2015, reflecting students’ growing preference for autonomy and innovation. Internships and real-world experiences consistently emerge as pivotal in shaping perceptions, either reinforcing commitment to the sector or exposing mismatches between expectations and workplace realities. The review further underscores the influence of cultural, social, and personal factors, including family background, gender norms, and self-efficacy, in shaping career decisions. This study contributes by offering a comprehensive thematic synthesis, identifying patterns and transitions over time, and outlining research gaps. The findings provide actionable insights for educators, industry practitioners, and policymakers seeking to strengthen career pathways and ensure the long-term sustainability of the T&H workforce.