CAREER PERCEPTION: GRADUATING TOURISM STUDENTS OF 2021-2022 DLSU-D IN THE NEW NORMAL

Abstract

The devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic also had an impact on academic institutions that offer tourism-related programs and students' expectations for their future careers in the sector. In order to significantly contribute to the creation of programs for tourism students in connection to their job options, the study examined and determined how De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, Philippines tourism students perceived their careers amidst post-pandemic. Using the mixed methods and the simple random and purposive sampling techniques, 105 graduating tourism management students enrolled in A.Y. 2020-2021, completed the researcher-made survey questionnaire to gather quantitative data and descriptive statistics were used to evaluate it and show it as frequency tables. The quantitative findings showed that: (1) Despite the detrimental consequences of the pandemic on the industry and being aware of other career opportunities and alternatives, students were driven by a desire to work in tourism and made their decisions as a result; (2) The majority of the tourism industry aspects that are seen as vital and have favorable perceptions are jobs associated with the nature of tourism industry employment; and (3) Participants identified several possibilities in the tourism industry and various prospects outside the field. The data may help De La Salle Dasmarinas University comprehend the decision-making criteria employed by its students while choosing a vocation. To help students make wise judgments, the report suggests career education.