The true purpose of an internship in hospitality and tourism — not as a job, but as a powerful learning experience that bridges academic theory and real-world management practice.
Key Takeaways:
- An internship should be treated as applied learning, not just work — it’s about preparing to be a manager.
- Students should actively observe both how they’re managed and how their managers lead.
- Internship length and structure (full-time, part-time, international) vary and shape what students can experience.
- All internships ideally should be paid, though payment may come in creative forms (e.g., scholarships).
- Even a “bad” internship can provide valuable lessons about leadership, structure, and workplace dynamics.
