An In-Depth Exploration of the Impact of COVID-19 on Hospitality Interns' Career Choices and Experiences: Insights for Educators, Industry Professionals, and Policymakers

Purpose of the study: The study explores how COVID-19 impacts hospitality interns' career choices and experience. Through a comprehensive literature review, key findings emerge regarding the effects of the pandemic on internship programs, the challenges interns face, and the factors influencing their post-pandemic career decisions. Methodology: The first step of the study is a comprehensive literature review, which establishes a qualitative approach to gathering information from existing research, articles, and publications. Principal Findings: COVID-19 has heavily affected hospitality internships, resulting in cancellations and remote work. However, interns have shown resilience by adapting to new learning methods and career exploration. Employers in the hospitality industry are hopeful about interns' job prospects after the pandemic, emphasizing the need to support students and address their career concerns for industry recovery. Applications of the study: This study offers valuable insights that empower educators, industry professionals, and policymakers to adapt internship programs, support intern resilience, and understand evolving career preferences in hospitality. By understanding COVID-19's impact on interns, stakeholders can make informed decisions to aid industry recovery. Novelty/Originality of the study: This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on hospitality internships, emphasizing both challenges and intern resilience. It offers insights for interns, industry recovery, and guidance to educators, professionals, and policymakers.