Employer's Perception on the Performance of NEUST Tourism Management Graduates: Basis for Career Development Plan

Abstract

This study examines how employers perceive tourism graduates, focusing on their workforce readiness, identifying gaps in knowledge and skills, and assessing the alignment between their education and industry requirements. It also explores employer expectations concerning leadership capabilities, sustainable practices, and overall performance in both local and global tourism contexts. The research utilized self-assessment surveys, based on a five-point Likert scale, involving 10 NEUST Tourism Management graduates. Using a descriptive survey method, the study collected data on the graduates’ personal backgrounds, professional performance, and job evaluations provided by their supervisors. Findings consistently revealed high levels of performance and employer satisfaction in areas such as research, teamwork, resource management, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and sustainable practices (SOP 2). Employers also expressed satisfaction with the graduates' time management, resource accessibility, and ability to handle stress related to workloads, conflicts, and workplace transitions (SOP 3).