Were Career Expectations Realized? Examining the Careers of Tourism Management Graduates

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to learn the career expectations of the individuals who graduated from the tourism management department before and after their education, and to investigate whether they have achieved success in their career expectations. The qualitative research method was adopted within the scope of the purpose of the study. A semi-structured interview form was prepared within the scope of the interview technique. There are five questions in the interview form. The purposive sampling was used in the study. Interviews were carried out with 19 graduates from the tourism management department. Interviews were conducted from September 10 to October 10, 2022. Content analysis was used in the written interview notes. As a result, themes and codes were created. These themes are reasons for preference, career expectations before and after graduation, career support, and career barriers. When the study findings are evaluated in general, the career expectations of individuals before and after graduation differ. It is observed that individuals who have career expectations for the sector have problems realizing their expectations. However, individuals who have career expectations outside the industry realize these expectations. Individuals with expectations for the tourism sector reduce their expectations to a low level after graduation. Individuals stated that they received the most support from family and university professors in their career expectations. In the obstacles individuals face, the hotel managers and the individuals themselves are at the forefront. Some suggestions have been developed within the scope of the study findings.