THE EXAMINATION OF FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS TOWARD CHOOSING HOSPITALITY AS A MAJOR; THE CASE OF UNDERGRADUATE HOSPITALITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This research examines the factors that influence students’ choice to major in hospitality management. Furthermore, this research assessed the role of student personality type in the academic major selection process. Data were collected from 152 undergraduate hospitality majors attending a single public university, and personality type was assessed using the Self-Directed Search based. The results may help hospitality management programs tailor recruitment materials to engage naturally entrepreneurial and outgoing potential students. The results will also help potential students discern career paths that may be most rewarding given their natural personality strengths.