Advisers

Reynold R. Bangalisan, LPT

Discipline

Tourism & hospitality

Abstract

In today’s competitive job market, employability is tied to practical experience, particularly in the tourism industry where professional readiness, technical expertise, and interpersonal skills are valued. Internship programs bridge classroom learning and real-world practice, equipping students with relevant skills and confidence. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the internship program of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management at Bestlink College of the Philippines and its impact on graduates’ employability. Guided by Kirkpatrick’s Evaluation Model (2006), the study assessed program relevance, supervision, structure, skill application, and outcomes, while identifying challenges and improvements. A descriptive correlational design was used, involving 80 graduate respondents (2022–2024) and selected tourism employers. Purposive sampling was applied, and data were collected through structured questionnaires. Weighted mean, Pearson-r correlation, and ranking were used to analyze effectiveness and challenges. Most respondents were aged 21–25, predominantly female, and employed in tourism-related roles. They agreed that the internship program was effective in task relevance, mentorship, duration, skill application, training, and satisfaction. The program enhanced job readiness, communication, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, and interview confidence. Pearson-r analysis showed a significant positive relationship between internship effectiveness and employability. Challenges included lack of job placement support, task misalignment with industry roles, and limited opportunities to showcase skills. Internships play a vital role in preparing tourism graduates for the labor market. Recommendations include strengthening industry partnerships, aligning tasks with tourism demands, and establishing a Career Services Unit for placement and career development.

Keywords

employability, tourism graduates, Internship Program