Bridging Institution and Industry: On-The-Job Training (OJT) Readiness Among Tourism and Hospitality Management Students

Job Training (OJT) Readiness among Tourism and Hospitality Management Students” investigates the preparedness of Indiana Aerospace University students for internship programs. Guided by Experiential Learning, Human Capital, and Employability Theories, it assesses readiness in employability, preparedness, and practical skills while identifying challenges in professional transitions. A mixed-method approach was used with 100 participants—80 students and 20 alumni. Findings show students have adaptability, discipline, and skills but feel uncertain about academic preparation and competitiveness. Key challenges include limited industry awareness, time management, and workplace anxiety. The study proposes enhanced pre-OJT programs, workshops, mentoring, and curriculum improvements to strengthen academic and industry alignment.