Chinese international students' perceptions of and reflections on graduate attributes needed in entry-level positions in the Chinese hotel industry

Abstract

The lack of congruency between what Australian universities offer in terms of graduate attributes and the needs of the Chinese job market was explored in 15 interviews conducted with Chinese international students enrolled in Australian tourism and hospitality degrees. The paper examines their perceptions of, and reflections on, graduate attributes acquired through Australian tourism and hospitality degrees and their relevance for the Chinese hotel industry. A professional socialisation framework guided the data analysis. The data reveal that students emphasise the importance of communication/customer service, guanxi (relationship building skills), teamwork skills, English language, as well as hotel management. Furthermore, Chinese international students felt that their degree had helped them develop these attributes. However more intervention from academics in the classroom was needed and internships were considered important for them to acquire these attributes.