Determinants of Career Intention in the Hospitality Industry: A Study of Undergraduate Students in Chengdu, China

The objective of this study is to investigate the factors influencing Industry Career Intention (ICI) and the mediating role of Career Self-Efficacy (CSE) among undergraduate students in hospitality management programs in Chengdu, China. The conceptual framework encompasses Industry Image (II), Internship Experience (IE), Curriculum Quality (CQ), Career Development Support (CDS), Perceived Career Prospects (PCP) as antecedents, with Career Self-Efficacy (CSE) as a mediator, and Industry Career Intention (ICI) as the final outcome. A quantitative approach was employed, involving a questionnaire survey conducted among undergraduate students at target institutions in Chengdu, resulting in a collection of 500 responses, with 492 deemed valid. This study's conceptual framework is grounded in Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). Based on the survey results, it is confirmed that all six proposed hypotheses are validated. A key finding is that career self-efficacy exerts a substantial influence on industry career intention. More specifically, when students' confidence in their ability to succeed in the hospitality sector is strengthened, their willingness to pursue a long-term career in the industry is significantly enhanced. Furthermore, these findings provide practical insights for human resource management and organizational development within the hospitality industry.