Abstract

Internship programs bridge classroom learning and real-world industry practice in hospitality education. Hospitality Management students are required to complete on-the-job training to enhance practical competencies and workplace readiness. This study examined the impact of the internship program on the practical skills of Hospitality Management students at Bestlink College of the Philippines. It assessed workplace adaptability, technical skills, communication skills, and problem-solving initiatives, and determined whether a significant relationship exists between students’ demographic profile and their assessment of internship effectiveness. The findings served as the basis for a strategic training development plan to improve internship implementation. The study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. Using simple random sampling, fifty (50) Octoberian Hospitality Management students who had completed their internship were selected as respondents. Data were gathered through a validated survey questionnaire covering demographic variables and practical skill indicators. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Spearman Rank-Order Correlation were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the internship program positively influenced students’ practical skills. Workplace adaptability and technical skills received favorable assessments, indicating that students were able to adjust to actual work environments and perform operational tasks effectively. Communication skills and problem-solving initiatives showed moderate ratings, suggesting areas that require further strengthening. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between the respondents’ demographic profile and their assessment of internship effectiveness. The results affirm the impact of the internship program in strengthening industry-relevant competencies among Hospitality Management students. However, improvements are necessary in communication and structured problem-solving training to ensure comprehensive skill development. Based on the identified gaps, a strategic training development plan was proposed for the Front Office, Housekeeping, and Food and Beverage departments to enhance hands-on exposure, structured mentoring, and performance feedback mechanisms. Strengthening these areas may further improve internship outcomes and better prepare students for professional roles in the hospitality industry.