Minnesota hospitality industry expectations of graduates from the Hotel-Restaurant Management Program at the Alexandria Technical College

Abstract

This study examined Minnesota Hospitality Industry expectations of graduates from the two-year Hotel-Restaurant Management Program (HRM) at Alexandria Technical College in Alexandria, Minnesota. The study investigated industry management perceptions of the general business, general education, and industry specific skills and personal traits needed by graduates as they leave college and accept entry-level management positions. A questionnaire was given to a sampling of Minnesota’s lodging and foodservice industry. The questionnaire addressed demographic data, importance of general education and industry specific skills, skills best learned in industry or in the college setting, and a prioritization of personal traits expected of graduates. It was found that the highest ranking skills were delivering quality customer service, employee relations, motivating employees, problem solving, managing diversity, planning and conducting training, interpersonal speaking, sanitation, and food and beverage controls. General business skills were most valued, with general education and technical skills following. Traits that ranked the highest included positive attitude, honesty, and hardworking. The skills perceived to be best learned on the job included delivering quality customer service, housekeeping management, facilities and maintenance management, front office management, and employee relations. Skills found to be best learned in the classroom included writing skills, computer skills, hospitality law, accounting, math, and public speaking. The HRM program should strongly consider analyzing its current curriculum to include study in these priority areas, with future studies conducted bi-annually.