Exploring the Lives of HRM Graduates in Their Workplaces

This study explored the lived experiences of Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM) graduates in their workplaces, focusing on rewarding experiences, professional challenges, coping strategies, personal and professional development, and recommendations for improving hospitality education. Using a descriptive phenomenological research design, the researcher conducted structured interviews with ten BSHRM graduates employed across four hotels in Cebu. Ethical principles, including beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and respect for autonomy, were observed throughout the research process. Findings revealed that graduates experienced positive aspects of employment, including tangible rewards, career advancement, guest satisfaction, relationship building, and personal and professional growth. However, they also encountered challenges involving difficult guests, interpersonal conflicts, communication barriers, demanding workloads, and workplace pressures. To address these difficulties, graduates employed coping strategies such as establishing professional boundaries, prioritizing rest, maintaining a proactive mindset, strengthening communication skills, and demonstrating adaptability, maturity, and professionalism. Their workplace experiences further contributed to developing advanced technical, managerial, cognitive, and interpersonal competencies essential for hospitality careers. Participants emphasized the importance of specialized instruction, practical and hands-on training, comprehensive health and safety standards, and stronger collaboration between academic institutions and hospitality establishments. The study highlights the importance of aligning hospitality education with actual industry expectations to better prepare graduates for professional responsibilities. These findings provide valuable insights for educators, curriculum developers, and hospitality stakeholders in enhancing instructional approaches, strengthening industry partnerships, and developing relevant training programs that promote graduate employability, workplace readiness, professional competence, and sustainable career development within the hospitality industry.